When you feel "brain dead" and just want to occupy or distract yourself with something mindless (or mindful, depending on how you look at it), here are some things to try instead of reaching for your laptop or phone.
Cos doom scrolling just makes you more drained. But what about when it feels like there is nothing else you can do?
Even things like reading a book can feel too taxing at times.
Jump to:
- Lie down with a heated eye mask and listen to an audiobook
- Do a jigsaw puzzle
- Play solitaire with real cards
- Soak and massage your feet
- Do some gentle stretching
- Read a comic book
- Read a magazine related to your hobby
- Play sudoku or word search puzzles
- Play a relaxing video game
- Knit or crochet
- Stroke your pet
- Binge watch TV
- Fidget toy
- Play with lego
- Cross Stitch or Diamond Painting
Here are some of my favourite things to do instead:
Lie down with a heated eye mask and listen to an audiobook
Unless I have a headache, this is my favourite go-to for when I'm low on mental and physical energy.
I pop on my headphones and put on an audiobook or podcast episode on my MP3 player, then place a heated eye mask (I use a microwavable one like this) over my eyes and just relax my body.
This is an especially great thing to do for those who stare at screens a lot or have dry eye problems.
Do a jigsaw puzzle
Make a mug of tea, perhaps put on some relaxing background jazz or classical music and set up a jigsaw puzzle on your table.
Despite puzzles requiring some mental energy - it's the kind that leaves you feeling the relaxed sort of tired - not the wired sort of tired you get from screen time.
Play solitaire with real cards
Similar to jigsaw puzzles, this sort of game will engage your mind in a way that allows stress and worries to fade.
Using real cards instead of a virtual game allows your hands to stay busy which helps your mind to relax.
Soak and massage your feet
I used to be put off by this idea because I assumed it required a lot of "faff" to get set up but it doesn't!
Once you do it regularly, you'll wonder why you didn't always treat yourself to this easy at-home spa experience.
- Simply fill up a tub that comfortably fits both your feet inside with warm water and either bubble bath or bath salts.
- Choose where you'd like to sit - perhaps in front of the TV while watching a film or series. Put the towel on the floor in front of you and place the tub of water on top.
- Prepare an extra towel, some exfoliant or a foot file (optional), some lotion and a clean pair of socks.
- Soak your feet for as long as feels good. Exfoliate, if desired.
- Apply lotion to your feet and slowly and gently rub your feet in any areas that feel tight and aching. Make sure you're sitting comfortably with plenty of back support so it's a relaxing experience.
- Finally, put on your clean socks and enjoy the rejuvenated feeling.
Or just take a shortcut and use a foot spa machine!
Do some gentle stretching
Daily movement is important, especially if you have a musculoskeletal issue. And it can also help lift your move and provide energy.
Try gentle stretches and mobility exercises that you can do in bed or on the floor.
It will help loosen you up in the morning and relax you before bed if you make it part of your routine.
Read a comic book
Reading comic books or graphic novels requires less concentration when you're low on mental energy.
Read a magazine related to your hobby
Magazines are printed newsfeeds.
However, the benefit is that you can't mindlessly scroll to the next site. You have to savour each section instead.
Try some issues of magazines about crafts, sports, photography, art, gossip, health or whatever interests you.
Play sudoku or word search puzzles
Sudoku is one of my favourite things for when I'm tired and need something to occupy my mind a little - but not too much.
Word searches and crossword puzzles may have a similar effect on some people.
Play a relaxing video game
Avoid games on your phone or laptop and opt for consoles which are free from other distractions.
Games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley or Picross are relaxing choices and, despite being a little stimulating can also help you relax and de-stress.
Knit or crochet
Once something like knitting or crochet becomes second nature to you, it's something that you can do to just occupy your hands, especially if you're making something simple that requires just a repetitive chain - like a scarf.
Stroke your pet
Studies have shown that stroking your pet for 10 minutes can lower your stress hormones and I'm sure your pet will appreciate it too.
It's enjoyable for both you and your pet and takes very little effort so why not do it more often?
Binge watch TV
I try not to recommend this one too often as TV can be just as bad as internet time in some cases but for times when you're down and low on energy - sometimes it's good to lean into it and switch off.
The difference with spending that time online is that it's not allowing you to switch off at all. You're kept distracted and overstimulated.
I love discovering new TV series to binge on and find it can help lift my mood when I'm down or feeling unwell.
Fidget toy
Sometimes you just want to keep your hands active and let your mind wander off. Fidget toys are a great way to achieve this.
Play with lego
Lego is an easy and fun way to preoccupy yourself that doesn't require too much mental effort.
You can also use it for a lot of practical and inventive uses if you're not feeling particularly creative. Find more ideas here.
Cross Stitch or Diamond Painting
Diamond painting is like cross stitch meets perler beads. It's a great activity for when you don't have much energy but still want to create something beautiful.
The paint-by-number style designs take creative pressure off and just allow you to focus on the meditative painting.
You can buy paint-by-number style kits or make your own.
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