What we used to do instead of social media
We now live in a world where the glow of our screens often outshines the beauty of real-life interactions; finding joy in offline activities has never been more essential. The constant barrage of notifications and the endless scroll of social media leaves us feeling disconnected and dissatisfied. However, there is a way to forge a path to a more fulfilling and meaningful life far away from the digital chaos by focusing on traditional pastimes—like cooking, caring for animals, maintaining a clean home, and volunteering.
Cooking is not just a daily necessity; it's an act of love and creativity. It encourages us to step away from our screens and engage with the tactile world through chopping, stirring, and tasting. Preparing a meal is a meditation in mindfulness, focusing on the ingredients, the process, and the joy of sharing the final dish with others. This simple yet profound activity nurtures our bodies and relationships, as shared meals create bonds and foster conversations that no online platform can replicate. A very telling study out of the Netherlands shows that lighting candles at dinner time extends the meal time by 10-15 minutes; sitting by the fire is in our DNA as we share food and tell stories.
Having an animal to care for brings a structured routine and a sense of responsibility that social media can never offer. A pet's unconditional love and companionship remind us of life's simple joys beyond the digital realm. Walking a dog, cleaning a cat's litter box, or simply watching a fish swim can provide meditative moments of peace and a break from the screen, grounding us in the present and reminding us of the world's tangible beauty. I can’t possibly describe in words what joy my pup Maximus brings into my life; he is my bestest friend and companion.
One of my favorite things to do is to clean; I know it sounds crazy, but it is. Ever since I was little, the importance of a clean house has been instilled in me. A clean and organized home is a sanctuary from the outside world, including the digital one. The act of cleaning, organizing, and decluttering is not just about maintaining physical space but also about creating mental clarity. In a clean environment, we can find calm and peace, making it easier to resist the pull of social media notifications. The satisfaction of a freshly tidied space offers a sense of accomplishment that no amount of likes or shares can match.
Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to step outside ourselves and our online personas, connecting with the community meaningfully. It shifts our focus from inward to outward, from the self to others. Giving our time and energy to causes we care about brings a sense of purpose and belonging that social media platforms can't provide. Through volunteering, we build real-world connections, make a tangible impact, and find fulfillment in the well-being of others. I spent three years at Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC and two years as a volunteer for Be A Mentor; both experiences profoundly impacted my life.
Each activity offers a gateway to a life less dependent on social media, inviting us to engage more directly and meaningfully with the world. By investing our time in cooking, caring for animals, maintaining our homes, and volunteering, we cultivate habits that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. These pursuits remind us that the most rewarding experiences often come from the simplest acts of care and connection.