October No-Screen Ideas (Just 15 Minutes a Day)

Our screens are a big part of our lives, and it’s unreasonable to think we can have hours of time away from them every day. We can, however, take breaks from our screens.

This daily no-screen break challenge asks you to find just 15 minutes every day in October. These ideas encourage you to talk, notice your surroundings, be present, and try activities that don’t need a screen.

See the difference taking a break can make. Get some clarity on a busy day. Above all, find some time to be present and make sense of your thoughts. Find the calendar printable at the foot of the article, and hopefully discover some great activities and ideas that work for you.

• Relax with a cup of your favorite tea.
• Dance in the living room to your favorite songs.
• Doodle on paper.
• Do a 15-min workout at home.
• Go for a quick walk outside.
• Journal in a notebook for 15 minutes.
• Try a new 15-min recipe from a cookbook.
• Take a quick nap.
• Meditate for a few minutes.
• Declutter and tidy a small area at home.
• Make yourself a quick snack.
• Close your eyes and visualize a great day.
• Send a postcard to a friend.
• Make a cup of coffee.
• Read a chapter from a (paper) book.
• Work on a paper crossword.
• Work on a DIY craft project (like knitting or sewing).
• Play an instrument.
• Hold some power poses.
• Try a fun no-screen activity like juggling.
• Start a scrapbook with your favorite photos.
• Work on a puzzle.
• Do some push-ups or sit-ups.
• Go for a 15-minute jog.
• Take a quick shower.
• Run a quick errand.
• Try to solve a Rubik’s cube.
• Try a coloring book for adults.
• Watch the sunset.
• Journal (on paper) about the month.
• Write a bucket list for next month.