In a world where scrolling has become second nature, carving out time for offline hobbies feels almost rebellious. But as another year rolls around and the usual wave of “new year, new me” energy hits, I’ve realised something: maybe the goal isn’t to reinvent myself completely. Maybe it’s just to spend less time staring at my phone.
Between productivity podcasts, aesthetic morning routines, and endless social media updates, self-improvement has started to feel more performative than personal. And if I’m being honest, I’m guilty of it too. I scroll… a lot.
So, this year, I’m making a small but intentional change. Instead of letting my free time disappear into a blur of reels and stories, I’m trying a few hobbies that encourage me to slow down, be present, and actually do something. Not because they’ll magically transform my life, but because they might pull me away from my screen long enough to enjoy it.
Reading
Reading used to be one of my favourite things to do. Somewhere along the way, though, assignments, deadlines and digital distractions took over, and I slowly fell out of the habit.
This year, I want to return to what the internet calls being a “thought daughter” — someone who finds comfort in books, films and quiet reflection. The label might sound dramatic, but at its core it’s really about enjoying thoughtful, slower forms of entertainment.
Reading has always helped me pause and think in ways scrolling never does. So, I’m trying to build that habit again.
How I plan to do this
- Cut down screen time:
This is probably the hardest part. As Gen Z, our phones feel like an extension of ourselves. Still, I’ve started with one simple rule: no scrolling for the first two hours after waking up. Because once I start, it’s very hard to stop.
- Set realistic goals:
In the past, I tried to read five novels in a month — an ambitious goal that quickly collapsed. This year, I’m aiming for two books a month instead. Manageable, and hopefully sustainable.
Research and Self-Learning
The internet is full of information, and I realised I rarely use it for anything beyond casual browsing.
Recently, I started keeping a commonplace notebook, a notebook where you collect ideas, quotes, thoughts and interesting pieces of information over time.
So far I’ve explored topics like colour symbolism in film and how language shapes the way we think. Watching videos or reading articles about things that genuinely interest me and then writing down my reflections, makes the learning process feel more active.
How I plan to do this:
- Pick a topic that genuinely interests me
- Watch videos or read essays about it
- Note down key ideas
- Write a short reflection in my notebook
Painting
I’m not particularly skilled when it comes to art, but I love painting anyway.
There’s something relaxing about sitting down with a brush and letting colours blend across paper. Watercolours and gouache are my favourites because they create soft, dreamy textures that I enjoy experimenting with.
My style leans towards whimsical rather than realistic — partly because realism is difficult, but also because experimenting feels more fun. I prefer to think of it as “creative exploration.”
How I plan to do this:
- Remind myself that I don’t need to be good at it
- Pick up a paintbrush once a week and just paint
Yoga
Living in a fast-paced environment makes it easy to feel constantly rushed. Between schoolwork and screen time, it’s also easy to forget about our bodies entirely.
After long days hunched over a laptop, yoga feels like the perfect counterbalance. It encourages me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with how my body feels.
Beyond relaxation, yoga also improves flexibility, mobility and posture — all things I probably need after spending too much time sitting.
How I plan to do this:
- Practise short sessions (10–30 minutes) a few times a week
- Follow beginner-friendly videos to learn proper form
- Set a regular time in the evening to practise
The Point Isn’t Perfection
I don’t expect these hobbies to magically cure my scrolling habits.
But if they can replace even a small portion of my screen time with moments of curiosity, creativity and calm, that feels like a meaningful step in the right direction.
And honestly, that’s good enough for me.
