Retreats Down the Street

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As our society continues to advance in technology and incorporate more tech into our everyday lives, it can be hard to muster up some self-discipline and make the choice to turn off our phones. Fear not, for here are a few tech-free activities you can do and have a good time doing.

Image Provided by Renee Elefante

Read up a storm

If you’re the type to always hear about new books and buy them, but then you never get around to reading them and the stack just piles up, listen up because now’s your chance! You don’t have to get through all or half the books on your list, but you can probably get a dent in with just a few. If you don’t have a list yet, no worries! See what your local bookstore offers, especially since the displays are routinely switched out to make room for new bestsellers. Who knows, you may find your new favorite author or genre, but you won’t know unless you dig in and see what the world of reading has to offer. Check out Bargain Book World for inexpensive used books or Mystery Ink Bookstore, which offers events to connect with authors.

Image Provided by Renee Elefante

Sharpen your culinary skills

Have some old family recipes or cookbooks somewhere in your house? It’s time to bust those out and flip through to see what you’re in the mood for. Once you’ve chosen your dish (or dishes), make a list and head on over to the grocery store. May we suggest Mother’s Market & Kitchen in Santa Ana? After shopping, it’s time to prepare your ingredients, turn on the stove, and get ready to craft some mouthwatering treats! Even if the results aren’t quite desirable, you can still view it as a learning experience and motivate yourself to do better next time. Try making the meal by yourself or with a family member, friend or significant other.

Image Provided by Renee Elefante

Do some origami 

Originating from Japan, origami is a great way to stimulate your brain and improve your hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills. Whether it’s used to teach students in the classroom or simply relax after a long day, the benefits and possibilities are endless! There are many creations you can make, from a simple cup or hat to the more complicated cellist and crane. At the Barnes & Noble Fullerton location, they have a few beginner origami books available in-person, including American origami artist John Montroll’s “Easy Origami: Over 30 Simple Projects!” and there are also books you can order online if you plan your origami day in advance. The store also has origami paper in stock, making your origami shopping a one-stop trip. It’s best to do origami with someone else since you can help each other if needed, and it’s always more fun to craft with others.

These are just a few tech-free activities you can do, but hopefully, after reading this article and other similar articles produced by the 60 Seconds team, you’ll get some ideas and figure out which ones you want to take a shot at.