Things To Do Instead of Social Media

Myke Educate

Updated: 13 Sep, 2025 • 0 • min read

Table of Contents

Social media can easily eat up hours of your day without you even realizing it. While scrolling through feeds may feel entertaining, it often leaves you feeling drained, distracted, or even financially stressed. The good news? There are countless meaningful, productive, and enjoyable activities you can do instead of spending time on social media.

Here are some practical and inspiring ideas to reclaim your time and energy.

Fix Something Around Your Home

Almost everyone has something broken or unfinished around the house. Maybe it’s a leaky faucet, a squeaky door, or a light fixture that hasn’t worked in months. Instead of picking up your phone, pick up a screwdriver or a hammer.

Not only will you get rid of an annoying problem, but you’ll also feel accomplished once it’s done.

Improve Your Financial Situation

Financial freedom isn’t about how much money you make — it’s about how well you manage what you already have. True financial freedom means:

Not stressing about unexpected expenses because you’ve built an emergency fund.
Being able to follow your passions instead of worrying about your paycheck.
Creating habits that keep your finances healthy for the long run.

Improving your financial situation could be as simple as reviewing your budget, planning savings goals, or cutting unnecessary expenses. The time you spend away from social media can go directly toward creating the future you want.

Start a Garden

Fresh food is one of life’s greatest joys, and growing it yourself can be even more rewarding. Whether it’s herbs on your windowsill, vegetables in your backyard, or flowers that brighten your space, gardening helps you connect with nature while giving you healthier food options.

Help Others and the World Around You

One of the most fulfilling things you can do instead of scrolling is to serve others. Small acts of kindness have the power to uplift not just those around you, but also your own spirit.

Here are some ways to give back:

Donate items from your home. For every new item you buy, donate one you no longer use.
Volunteer for a cause you believe in.
Smile and say hello to people you cross paths with.
Donate blood to save lives.
Pick up trash on your next walk.
Foster or adopt an animal if you’re able to.
Support a charity by donating or volunteering.
Read books at schools, hospitals, or nursing homes.
Become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
Create ready-to-go bags with snacks, water, and essentials for those experiencing homelessness.

Acts of kindness can completely shift your perspective and make someone else’s day brighter.

Seek Out Ways to Make More Money

Spending less time online can open up hours each week that you could use to earn extra income. Even 10–20 hours can make a noticeable difference.

Here are real money-making alternatives to social media:

Answer surveys with companies like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Pinecone Research, or Branded Surveys.
Walk dogs or pet sit through apps like Rover.
Start a blog. Blogging has become a real source of full-time income for many.
Proofread for clients. Freelancers can make thousands editing and proofreading content.
Edit digital content such as books, courses, or blog posts.
Become a photographer and explore niches like weddings, food, or portraits.
Host a garage sale and declutter while making cash.
Run Facebook ads for small businesses.
Become a bookkeeper — no accounting degree required.
Sell on Amazon FBA and build an e-commerce business.
Deliver groceries or food with apps like DoorDash or Shipt.
Donate plasma or eggs (if eligible) for compensation.
Mystery shop and get paid to evaluate businesses.
Sell used items online through Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark.

These side hustles can give you financial breathing room while replacing hours wasted online.

Build Better Relationships

Social media can make us feel “connected,” but often at the expense of our real-world relationships. With less screen time, you can use that energy to reconnect with people who truly matter.

Ideas for improving your relationships include:

Call someone you love instead of just texting.
Send handwritten notes or thank-you cards.
Host a movie night with friends or family.
Plan video calls with relatives who live far away.
Volunteer together with a friend.
Organize a casual get-together.
Create an accountability group to motivate each other toward goals.
Cook a meal for someone going through a tough time.
Strike up conversations with strangers — you never know what connection you might make.

Real conversations and shared experiences build stronger bonds than likes or comments ever could.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I replace social media in my life?
Start by finding hobbies and activities that bring you joy — things you’ve always wanted to try but “never had time” for. Cooking, reading, exercising, or calling a friend are great substitutes.

How do I cut social media out of my life?
Tell close friends and family how they can stay in touch, then deactivate or delete your accounts gradually. Replace your scrolling habit with meaningful routines like reading, walking, or side hustles.

Can I be happier without social media?
You don’t have to quit completely, but cutting back often leads to less stress, more productivity, and stronger relationships. Many people report feeling happier after reducing screen time.

What can I do on my phone without social media?
Use your phone for its original purposes — calls, photos, reminders, learning apps, podcasts, audiobooks, budgeting tools, or even language learning.

Final Thoughts

Social media can be entertaining, but it can also drain your time, energy, and sometimes even your mental health. Replacing it with activities like gardening, volunteering, learning new skills, or simply spending time with loved ones can make life richer and more fulfilling.

Whether you cut back or quit entirely, the goal isn’t to give up fun — it’s to create space for the things that actually make your life better.

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