Like a zombie without a smart phone or penchant for brains
September 29, 2023 5:59 PM Subscribe
What are things I can do to zone out that don’t involve screens or eating?
For my entire adult life, the way I’ve signaled to myself that it’s “rest” time is to zone out with a screen and snacks. I don’t want to do that anymore. I also don’t want to do anything that requires a single ounce of willpower from me. Should I just be laying down and falling asleep at 7pm? That kind of makes a funky night of sleep. I don’t want to grow or improve or learn more during this time. I just want to turn my brain off without being asleep or using screens or food. Are you like me? Is there something else you do?
For my entire adult life, the way I’ve signaled to myself that it’s “rest” time is to zone out with a screen and snacks. I don’t want to do that anymore. I also don’t want to do anything that requires a single ounce of willpower from me. Should I just be laying down and falling asleep at 7pm? That kind of makes a funky night of sleep. I don’t want to grow or improve or learn more during this time. I just want to turn my brain off without being asleep or using screens or food. Are you like me? Is there something else you do?
Listen to music, no visuals, just explore different types of music!
Simple crafts are an alternative, some folks like puzzles, or whittling or knitting for this.
Sit outside and watch the clouds and birds.
(I’m terrible at turning off my brain, ymmv, but those are a few screen free ideas)
posted by larthegreat at 6:18 PM on September 29, 2023 [5 favorites]
Simple crafts are an alternative, some folks like puzzles, or whittling or knitting for this.
Sit outside and watch the clouds and birds.
(I’m terrible at turning off my brain, ymmv, but those are a few screen free ideas)
posted by larthegreat at 6:18 PM on September 29, 2023 [5 favorites]
Those adult colouring books (possibly with some music on) are good for that.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:20 PM on September 29, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by warriorqueen at 6:20 PM on September 29, 2023 [6 favorites]
Does reading involve willpower/brain on? I can absolutely zone out with a well-plotted and competent but undemanding story. Or maybe comics/graphic novels if reading feels too effortful?
A leisurely walk might be more effort than you're looking for, but I find it can be restful for my brain to go on a really idle walk and just, like, look at stuff.
I usually have them on when I'm cleaning, but there's no reason you couldn't sit and listen to narrative podcasts or audio books, if that might be appealing.
posted by EvaDestruction at 6:23 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
A leisurely walk might be more effort than you're looking for, but I find it can be restful for my brain to go on a really idle walk and just, like, look at stuff.
I usually have them on when I'm cleaning, but there's no reason you couldn't sit and listen to narrative podcasts or audio books, if that might be appealing.
posted by EvaDestruction at 6:23 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Simple card games like solitare are easy enough to set up with a deck of cards
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:26 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:26 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
There's a whole world of vegging out based on playing cards: stack card houses, throw them into a hat, play any of a zillion solitaire games, do shuffling tricks. Same for coins, lots of manipulation and stacking and rolling things. Pen manipulation tricks, or just doodling and drawing. Play with a yo-yo or juggle. Or make paper airplanes, or paper cranes, or whittle sticks, carve fruit (then snack on it), make snacks and then give them away. Play solo cat's cradle, or jacks, or mumbley-peg.
For most of human existence, people didn't have easy access to unlimited entertainment media. I'm not sure what may catch your fancy, but if you look enough in that realm I bet you can find some pass-times to help you watch the world go by.
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:31 PM on September 29, 2023 [3 favorites]
For most of human existence, people didn't have easy access to unlimited entertainment media. I'm not sure what may catch your fancy, but if you look enough in that realm I bet you can find some pass-times to help you watch the world go by.
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:31 PM on September 29, 2023 [3 favorites]
We are (trying) to do no screens before bed. Audiobooks with gentle puttering and hand work like sewing and knitting are very soothing.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 6:32 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 6:32 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
I've done so many Paint By Numbers since covid started, it is so calming and addictive.
posted by magnetsphere at 6:46 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by magnetsphere at 6:46 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
Coloring books, especially ones with geometric patterns or other non-figurative options so you don’t feel a pressure to use the “right” colors for anything, also avoid the ones that are too elaborate and try simpler more kid-friendly ones so you’re coloring larger areas and feel less precious about it.
Listen to whole albums all the way through. The best non-screen way to do this is probably a record player and a stack of vinyl. Artists still make albums with narratives, energy that changes over the course of the tracks, emotional movement, all that. Sometimes this involves listening to a few songs you might not love on their own but in the context of the album really work. Concert albums are also excellent for this because you get the vicarious crowd emotions too. Symphonies with different movements are also great for this kind of thing. The upsides to listening to music this way is that you don’t need to have part of your brain paying attention to which track to pick next or if you want to skip a song or if you have picked the wrong playlist or whatever. Albums are pre-curated with creator intent and are usually a nice length for winding down, having a meal, taking a bath, etc.
posted by Mizu at 6:51 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Listen to whole albums all the way through. The best non-screen way to do this is probably a record player and a stack of vinyl. Artists still make albums with narratives, energy that changes over the course of the tracks, emotional movement, all that. Sometimes this involves listening to a few songs you might not love on their own but in the context of the album really work. Concert albums are also excellent for this because you get the vicarious crowd emotions too. Symphonies with different movements are also great for this kind of thing. The upsides to listening to music this way is that you don’t need to have part of your brain paying attention to which track to pick next or if you want to skip a song or if you have picked the wrong playlist or whatever. Albums are pre-curated with creator intent and are usually a nice length for winding down, having a meal, taking a bath, etc.
posted by Mizu at 6:51 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Puzzles scratch this itch for me!
posted by bluloo at 6:56 PM on September 29, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by bluloo at 6:56 PM on September 29, 2023 [3 favorites]
I do jigsaw puzzles while listening to audiobooks/podcasts. Puzzles are not for everyone though, and not all puzzles are enjoyable to me, even though I really do enjoy them as a whole.
I agree with Mizu that listening to an entire album is delightful - my library has Freegal for streaming music and they have the latest Beyonce album! And I got a little cd boombox so I can listen to my pile of cds at home since having to connect the external dvd reader to the laptop, etc etc was just putting unnecessary friction.
Are there any chores you actually enjoy or find soothing? I find de-furring furniture pretty meditative and recently got a Furzoff (it's like a pumice stone and somehow does an amazing job of lifting up all the cat fur and my shed hair on the carpet). I also got on a Marie Kondo folding kick for a week and enjoyed zoning out while folding clothes and tidying up.
Personal care things like moisturizing face masks or foot scrubs can also be a nice signal for the end of day.
posted by spamandkimchi at 7:02 PM on September 29, 2023 [8 favorites]
I agree with Mizu that listening to an entire album is delightful - my library has Freegal for streaming music and they have the latest Beyonce album! And I got a little cd boombox so I can listen to my pile of cds at home since having to connect the external dvd reader to the laptop, etc etc was just putting unnecessary friction.
Are there any chores you actually enjoy or find soothing? I find de-furring furniture pretty meditative and recently got a Furzoff (it's like a pumice stone and somehow does an amazing job of lifting up all the cat fur and my shed hair on the carpet). I also got on a Marie Kondo folding kick for a week and enjoyed zoning out while folding clothes and tidying up.
Personal care things like moisturizing face masks or foot scrubs can also be a nice signal for the end of day.
posted by spamandkimchi at 7:02 PM on September 29, 2023 [8 favorites]
Sounds weird but sometimes I just print a few pages of arithmetic problems and work them. Just like, some long division or something. Totally free on a number of teacher sites and strangely relaxing if you know you aren't being graded or evaluated in any way. I guess if you find math even a little hard maybe this doesn't count as zoning out. But if you don't find it hard, it feels about as chill as a coloring book!
Modular origami too...learn the piece, then make sixty of the exact same piece, then turn your brain back on to put the damn things together.
posted by potrzebie at 7:15 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Modular origami too...learn the piece, then make sixty of the exact same piece, then turn your brain back on to put the damn things together.
posted by potrzebie at 7:15 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Kaleidoscopes, including teleidoscopes
Star projector
Moving sand art picture (example — many other inexpensive options)
Audio dramas
Inexpensive easy instruments that don’t require learning to plink around on or follow very simple patterns: tongue drum, kalimba, xylophone and similar, lap harp
Tegu blocks
Magnetic poetry
Etch A Sketch
Cat’s cradle, but may require some learning effort
Paint by sticker (example)
Scratch art (example, many designs)
Water writing/drawing with calligraphy brush and inkless canvas (example)
Tabletop Zen garden
Knot tying
Activity/puzzle book like word searches or mazes
Make tea and flip through a magazine with lots of pictures
What toys did you like as a kid for low-key play?
posted by eyeball at 7:38 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Star projector
Moving sand art picture (example — many other inexpensive options)
Audio dramas
Inexpensive easy instruments that don’t require learning to plink around on or follow very simple patterns: tongue drum, kalimba, xylophone and similar, lap harp
Tegu blocks
Magnetic poetry
Etch A Sketch
Cat’s cradle, but may require some learning effort
Paint by sticker (example)
Scratch art (example, many designs)
Water writing/drawing with calligraphy brush and inkless canvas (example)
Tabletop Zen garden
Knot tying
Activity/puzzle book like word searches or mazes
Make tea and flip through a magazine with lots of pictures
What toys did you like as a kid for low-key play?
posted by eyeball at 7:38 PM on September 29, 2023 [2 favorites]
Sit outside and watch the clouds and birds.
protip: ask yourself both specific and open-ended questions about elements on the periphery or just outside your view. e.g.
posted by j_curiouser at 7:44 PM on September 29, 2023 [5 favorites]
protip: ask yourself both specific and open-ended questions about elements on the periphery or just outside your view. e.g.
- what does the bottom of that look like?
- does that make a sound? observe motion and sound closely.
- what colors and textures does that have? describe to yourself as if you were describing to a loved one over the phone (audio). be complete.
- ...and so on
posted by j_curiouser at 7:44 PM on September 29, 2023 [5 favorites]
nthing music. Also, perhaps a treadmill? You don't have to run on it, you can take a "walk" while you listen to music of various sorts
posted by TimHare at 8:18 PM on September 29, 2023
posted by TimHare at 8:18 PM on September 29, 2023
This is, if I understand correctly, a desire that has led many people to experiment with psychoactive substances, meditation, podcasts/radio shows, more repetitive forms of written entertainment (such as particularly formulaic genre novels), and daydreaming.
posted by brainwane at 9:12 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by brainwane at 9:12 PM on September 29, 2023 [1 favorite]
Ironing, washing up and other chores are good after you reach a level of familiarity so that, for example, you've memorised 'the kata of shirts' or 'the ceremony of encrusted bowls' and no longer have to think when dealing with them. You can get a lot of ruminating and surmising done that way, while incidentally doing something useful.
posted by BCMagee at 1:17 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by BCMagee at 1:17 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
Audiobooks and podcasts, especially ones where you’re not totally fussed about following along and are happy for your brain to dip in and out. Bonus points for doing it tucked cosily into bed.
posted by penguin pie at 3:41 AM on September 30, 2023
posted by penguin pie at 3:41 AM on September 30, 2023
Get a MP3 player and load it with music so you can recline and listen to music without needing your phone within arms reach.
An Echo Dot is also good for listening to music without having to interface with a phone, tablet, computer, etc. It's easier if you use a screen while initially setting up your playlists but once those are set up you just say "Alexa, play My Favorites." (You can create playlists entirely via voice commands if you want but then you run the risk of hilarious misunderstandings like the time I asked Alexa to play the opera Turandot and she thought I asked for "Turn Down for What," which is about as far as one can get from my intended genre.)
posted by Jacqueline at 4:21 AM on September 30, 2023
An Echo Dot is also good for listening to music without having to interface with a phone, tablet, computer, etc. It's easier if you use a screen while initially setting up your playlists but once those are set up you just say "Alexa, play My Favorites." (You can create playlists entirely via voice commands if you want but then you run the risk of hilarious misunderstandings like the time I asked Alexa to play the opera Turandot and she thought I asked for "Turn Down for What," which is about as far as one can get from my intended genre.)
posted by Jacqueline at 4:21 AM on September 30, 2023
Kniting, macramé, latch hook rug making...
posted by SemiSalt at 5:23 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by SemiSalt at 5:23 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
I read, mostly. I usually have two books on the go, one fiction and one non-fiction, and I read the fiction when I really want to wind down.
I also like sitting back and listening to a record, where there (for me) a bit more mindfulness in the act of selecting an album, putting it on the player, and paying attention to the music versus just waiting for whatever the algorithm feeds me next.
I recently started learning about bookbinding and that seems like another candidate for this kind of time for me—I don't think I could get in to knitting but bookbinding seems to be the right combination of repetitive actions (without the sheer duration of a knitting project) plus producing a cool result. I love paper and notebooks and the idea of giving them away to friends.
Sketching or doodling is another option. Doodling doesn't seem to require a lot of brainpower from me (versus deliberate drawing practice). Or if it does, it's a very different kind of brainpower than what gets taxed during the work day.
(The personal risk for me with the craft-oriented things is that sometimes my perfectionism can make them more stressful than I'd like. Your mileage may vary.)
posted by synecdoche at 6:11 AM on September 30, 2023
I also like sitting back and listening to a record, where there (for me) a bit more mindfulness in the act of selecting an album, putting it on the player, and paying attention to the music versus just waiting for whatever the algorithm feeds me next.
I recently started learning about bookbinding and that seems like another candidate for this kind of time for me—I don't think I could get in to knitting but bookbinding seems to be the right combination of repetitive actions (without the sheer duration of a knitting project) plus producing a cool result. I love paper and notebooks and the idea of giving them away to friends.
Sketching or doodling is another option. Doodling doesn't seem to require a lot of brainpower from me (versus deliberate drawing practice). Or if it does, it's a very different kind of brainpower than what gets taxed during the work day.
(The personal risk for me with the craft-oriented things is that sometimes my perfectionism can make them more stressful than I'd like. Your mileage may vary.)
posted by synecdoche at 6:11 AM on September 30, 2023
Reading
Listening to music
Crossword puzzle
I don't do arts and crafts currently but like the suggestions above like paint by numbers, coloring, you could try crossstitch or knitting
posted by emd3737 at 7:26 AM on September 30, 2023
Listening to music
Crossword puzzle
I don't do arts and crafts currently but like the suggestions above like paint by numbers, coloring, you could try crossstitch or knitting
posted by emd3737 at 7:26 AM on September 30, 2023
I also enjoy walks (usually with my dog) for zoning out my brain and some leisurely movement
posted by emd3737 at 7:28 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by emd3737 at 7:28 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
Books. Mysteries, westerns, etc. Recent Ask.Me I like ebooks from the library, actual paper books, whatever is a good read that will pull me in.
Otherwise, crosswords or other puzzles; thrift shops and Buy Nothing have jigsaw puzzles; they are really calming. Drawing or coloring. Knitting and listening to music.
posted by theora55 at 7:39 AM on September 30, 2023
Otherwise, crosswords or other puzzles; thrift shops and Buy Nothing have jigsaw puzzles; they are really calming. Drawing or coloring. Knitting and listening to music.
posted by theora55 at 7:39 AM on September 30, 2023
Best answer: Gum can be a good replacement for snacks to occupy your mouth in the evening. (With the usual caveats about either sugar or artificial sweetener, moderation, etc.)
posted by staggernation at 7:45 AM on September 30, 2023
posted by staggernation at 7:45 AM on September 30, 2023
I read fiction novels. Not serious heady intellectual ones. Fun light ones.
posted by amaire at 8:40 AM on September 30, 2023
posted by amaire at 8:40 AM on September 30, 2023
Nthing knitting or puzzles + audiobooks from the library. If alone,you don't even need to put on headphones.
I like those Korean face or foot masks and have been dreaming about a paraffin heater (though I know my use will fall dramatically post-novelty so haven't) though the foot masks leave you with hands/eyes free but non-mobile, so I tend to use my phone :(
If you can put in seeds, even in a (lg) pot, grow flowers of some sort and watch the pollinators if its light enough at that time? Bonus if they're drought tolerant and re-seed themselves. I 'putter' in the garden - it's kinda but not really work, I do it with an audiobook, but I love it because I just walk outside and do whatever I see. I have no specific plan. Other times i do - mostly "must plant xyz", but there's a ton of just puttering that may not be critical but is enjoyable. Maybe deadheading, maybe harvesting greens (seems my specialty - I've been eating a lot of broccoli leaves), maybe just looking at whatever or cutting flowers or cutting off mildewed leaves, whatever - until it's dark. This is doable in the rain too - and a great excuse for a hot shower and early bed.
If you really are just exhausted, I'd vote puttering in a clean up way so you get that 'completed' dopamine hit, enjoy a cleaner kitchen, and have an stayed awake for long enough (8?) that early bed isn't so disruptive. I've done mindless things like wipe down cabinet fronts, scrub drips off fridge/stove, etc. Certainly not urgent but "puttery", which is my goal for that mood.
Hoping this will end soon? Is a less busy season coming, or is this just the way things are for right now?
posted by esoteric things at 9:48 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
I like those Korean face or foot masks and have been dreaming about a paraffin heater (though I know my use will fall dramatically post-novelty so haven't) though the foot masks leave you with hands/eyes free but non-mobile, so I tend to use my phone :(
If you can put in seeds, even in a (lg) pot, grow flowers of some sort and watch the pollinators if its light enough at that time? Bonus if they're drought tolerant and re-seed themselves. I 'putter' in the garden - it's kinda but not really work, I do it with an audiobook, but I love it because I just walk outside and do whatever I see. I have no specific plan. Other times i do - mostly "must plant xyz", but there's a ton of just puttering that may not be critical but is enjoyable. Maybe deadheading, maybe harvesting greens (seems my specialty - I've been eating a lot of broccoli leaves), maybe just looking at whatever or cutting flowers or cutting off mildewed leaves, whatever - until it's dark. This is doable in the rain too - and a great excuse for a hot shower and early bed.
If you really are just exhausted, I'd vote puttering in a clean up way so you get that 'completed' dopamine hit, enjoy a cleaner kitchen, and have an stayed awake for long enough (8?) that early bed isn't so disruptive. I've done mindless things like wipe down cabinet fronts, scrub drips off fridge/stove, etc. Certainly not urgent but "puttery", which is my goal for that mood.
Hoping this will end soon? Is a less busy season coming, or is this just the way things are for right now?
posted by esoteric things at 9:48 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
I play the piano, and can totally zone out playing through a book of fairly easy songs, or pieces that I know well already. If you already play an instrument, this could be a good choice!
Nthing the suggestion of puzzles + podcasts -- one of my favorite ways to spend winter evenings. Bonus points for a mug of tea or hot chocolate nearby.
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 11:00 AM on September 30, 2023
Nthing the suggestion of puzzles + podcasts -- one of my favorite ways to spend winter evenings. Bonus points for a mug of tea or hot chocolate nearby.
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 11:00 AM on September 30, 2023
I’ve been teaching myself to crochet. It has worked wonderfully to help me break the habit of phone scrolling all evening.
posted by Kriesa at 11:37 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Kriesa at 11:37 AM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If you're in the part of the world where fall is kicking in, it's a great time to get really into brewing up a nice cup of tea, which is still a tasty thing you put in your mouth, but not actually a snack.
posted by deludingmyself at 1:28 PM on September 30, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by deludingmyself at 1:28 PM on September 30, 2023 [3 favorites]
Doodling with a little structure but not much? (YT of soft voiced demo of a style you can buy books for, but don’t have to.)
posted by clew at 4:04 PM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by clew at 4:04 PM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
Nthing watching clouds, and adding watching bees, during the right times of day and year.
When Lynda Barry has her students listening to each others' stories, she has them draw spirals. Drawing something simple like that while listening to music could work well. In addition to music, I really enjoy listening to comedy albums from the 70s and 80s. If there's a stand-up comic you enjoy, drawing spirals while listening could be very enjoyable.
I also thought about a structured doodling practice called Zentangle, and it turns out that's what clew's video is about. You can probably find books about it at your library.
posted by kristi at 6:37 PM on September 30, 2023 [3 favorites]
When Lynda Barry has her students listening to each others' stories, she has them draw spirals. Drawing something simple like that while listening to music could work well. In addition to music, I really enjoy listening to comedy albums from the 70s and 80s. If there's a stand-up comic you enjoy, drawing spirals while listening could be very enjoyable.
I also thought about a structured doodling practice called Zentangle, and it turns out that's what clew's video is about. You can probably find books about it at your library.
posted by kristi at 6:37 PM on September 30, 2023 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Anything you can do with your hands is great for keeping you out of the snacks and screens.
I've been experimenting more lately with having periods of actual silence - or environmental noise only I guess - for more extensive mental rest. I have to do SOMETHING with my hands, though, so I sometimes will use something for a sensory toy, and sometimes I will give myself something to sort - a junk drawer, all my socks, the bathroom storage.
If you're willing to put in a few days to learn (and probably make a cheat sheet for reference), there are all kind of wind-down/bedtime yoga and mobility routines on youtube you could do, as part of signaling your body it's time to downshift and shake off the stress of the day.
posted by Lyn Never at 7:07 PM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
I've been experimenting more lately with having periods of actual silence - or environmental noise only I guess - for more extensive mental rest. I have to do SOMETHING with my hands, though, so I sometimes will use something for a sensory toy, and sometimes I will give myself something to sort - a junk drawer, all my socks, the bathroom storage.
If you're willing to put in a few days to learn (and probably make a cheat sheet for reference), there are all kind of wind-down/bedtime yoga and mobility routines on youtube you could do, as part of signaling your body it's time to downshift and shake off the stress of the day.
posted by Lyn Never at 7:07 PM on September 30, 2023 [1 favorite]
For me this doesn’t require any willpower because it’s completely routine: I take my dog on a very chill walk, where he sniffs whatever he wants for as long as he wants and I look at the clouds or whatever until he’s ready to move on. My dog already knows the way, so I just turn my brain off and let him take us on our walk.
posted by HotToddy at 7:14 AM on October 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by HotToddy at 7:14 AM on October 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
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If that all sounds really complicated and you don't have the willpower to go outside: find a cozy spot where you can look out your window. Curl up with hot tea or other chosen soothing beverage. Sit and sip and stare at the world going by.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 6:18 PM on September 29, 2023 [29 favorites]