The Internet has become a very important part of our lives, so much so that we can hardly think of anything that we could do without it. The dependence of the internet has only risen after the wave of smartphones and tablet computers. Even children as young as two use YouTube and other kid-centric gaming sites to while away their time. Which is why, your internet not working almost seems like a major crisis. However, there’s a ton of things you can do (and have fun while you’re at it), when you don’t have internet, or even if you just want a little detox.
Cooking
Cooking can be very therapeutic, and does not require internet. One can get recipe books in any store or even certain magazines that come to your house monthly. When the internet is out, why not try making one recipe provided in that day’s newspaper, or one from a cookbook that’s caught your eye? Moreover, the best part about cooking is that it leads to one more thing you can do without the internet – eating!
Photography
There really is no limit to the things that can be photographed, and get some beautiful pictures without your Instagram notifications buzzing to disturb you (ironic isn’t it?). If you live in the city, the nighttime is generally a really good time to get out there and awe yourself as you take pictures of the pretty city lights. If you are really into it, you could even get the photos printed and frame them up, and not feel the need to upload them online.
Long Map-less Drives
Maybe you are an adventure lover who never really went out for a trek or a simple drive just because you have been kept so busy with your daily schedules or even the internet. The best way to take a break is to pull away from the net and go for a long drive or a trek with friends (not Facebook friends) and family. That way even if you get lost, at least you won’t be alone!
Sports (Not Stick Cricket)
Gone are the times when kids would look forward to outdoor activities with their friends. ‘Play-time’ has been conveniently replaced with ‘tech-time’, and it only gets worse. Instead of restricting their play-time just because schools have begun to give too much homework, parents should join their children and play a sport. This is the healthiest way of using your no-internet time.
Interacting With Non-Virtual Beings
The dinner conversations with your family don’t apply here because let’s face it, the entire family is almost never in the house at the same time. What I mean is talking anyone in person. Be it a friend you always chat with on WhatsApp or that crush you like. There’s nothing like meeting up with your friends and having a real conversation over coffee, or verbally telling that special someone how you feel about them.
Watching Movies and Playing Games
When was the last time you watched an entire movie or played a video game without the WhatsApp notification halting your progress? Take a challenge! Watch an entire movie or finish one level of an offline game without interruptions from online temptations. And if you plan on going to the theatre, leave your mobile phones on silent mode, or if you’re accompanied by someone, don’t take your phones at all!
Make Mommy Proud
Probably the cheapest way to spend your day without online interventions is to do housework. Yes, most of you dislike hearing of it, but housework can sometimes be so satisfying. When you are finally done and see the fruits of your work, you actually feel proud. But, one shouldn’t consider making this a daily routine otherwise you just may start feeling less satisfied (in other words – mom may start expecting more!).
