Over the last few years, the way we unwind has changed. People turn to the internet to relax. We’ve gotten used to putting on shows, scrolling on social media, letting the algorithms entertain us. It’s understandable why people do this, these are very flexible ways to entertain ourselves. They’re accessible from anywhere and you can jump in for just a few minutes or spend hours if you want to. All you need is a phone or a laptop, and you’re set.
However, these are just passive ways to pass the time. Luckily people are starting to feel that they should spend their free time with active entertainment and not just mindlessly consume content. On that note, let’s explore some online activities that are not just mindless scrolling.
Learning art
For many, creating art is a go-to for relaxing and now joining a class or learning a new technique from home is the easiest it’s ever been. You can find a huge amount of tutorials and videos on art topics. You can just google “How to draw for beginners” for example. After finding a topic, you can immerse yourself in it very deeply or just dip in to see if you like it.
Platforms like Skillshare or YouTube have tons of tutorials, and you don’t need any special skills to start. Learning some form of art is a good way to spend your time. Besides being enjoyable it trains your creativity. Find online communities where you can share your work. Along with getting feedback, you might even find people to collaborate with. It’s a great way to connect with others without leaving your couch.
Digital Board Games and Puzzle Apps
If you’re into games, there are a ton of options online to scratch that itch. Digital board games are super popular, with everything from Monopoly to more complex strategy games available on your phone or computer. You can play by yourself against a machine, or with some friends, if the game allows for it.
Puzzle games are also very liked. There are loads of apps with puzzles, brain teasers, and other quick games that don’t require a lot of time or energy. They’re great for quick breaks, and they make relaxing feel just a little bit productive, too.
Relaxing with Mindfulness and Meditation Apps
Mindfulness apps are an easy way to bring a bit of calm into your day. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer simple tools for meditation, breathing exercises, and even sounds to help you relax. You can fit them into almost any part of your day—perfect for whenever you need a moment to slow down.
One of the best parts about these apps is how approachable they are. You don’t have to know anything about meditation to start; they guide you through every step. Whether you’re after a quick five-minute breather or a longer, more focused session, they’re ready whenever you are. For a lot of people, this small daily practice has become a way to feel more balanced and centred.
General Gaming
As mentioned above, people like to play games. Another way to spend our time is general gaming, since there are many more types of video games besides board games. There are more complex, even story-based puzzle games too, that are way bigger to be considered simple brain teasers. Also, there are sandbox games, party games, massive multiplayer games with hundreds of players, or online slots like big bass splash if that’s your thing.
The variety in gaming is incredible, but of course, you have to find one that relaxes you. So probably a thousand-player massive online shooter is less relaxing than a single-player sandbox game. But in reality, you should choose the one that gets you in the flow state faster.
Another option is co-op games that bring friends together to complete missions, or the party games just mentioned. With multiplayer games, it’s easy to find a community of people to play with, whether you want epic battles or just looking for a laid-back place to hang out.
Digital Yoga and Fitness Classes
Staying active without leaving home has gotten a lot easier, too. There are tons of digital fitness classes now. Yoga is especially popular as a way to combine physical movement with mental relaxation. People report it makes you connect more with your body, and that it makes you balanced and harmonious. Many find it’s a nice way to unwind after a long day or to start the day on a calm note. The best part? You don’t need much more than a little space and a bit of time to get started.
Conclusion
These days, digital hobbies are part of how many of us relax. With options like art classes, games, or mindfulness apps, there’s something for everyone, no matter how much or little time you have. These hobbies make it easy to unwind in a way that fits our lives now—right at home, right at our fingertips.
