Monday Must: Tech Free Past Times

THIS IS MARY - OUR CEO AND DESIGNER.

BETWEEN ALL OF THE BUSYNESS AND THE CONSTANT SCREEN TIME THAT COMES WITH RUNNING A BUSINESS - MARY TRIES TO FIND TIME TO UNWIND WITH SCREEN FREE ACTIVITIES. CURATED AND WRITTEN BY MARY - SHE SHARES HER CURRENT FAVOURITE TECH FREE PAST TIMES WITH US.

1.CROSS STITCH FOR FUN

When quarantine first kicked in I was looking for something to do, literally do and ideally with my hands because I can get very fidgety. I always wanted to get into cross stitching, a few years ago, when I saw those clever sayings and rap lyrics in cross stitch but never had the time. So I hopped on Etsy and found a beginner starting kit and haven't looked back. It's something I love to do to keep my hands busy and my mind at ease - often I'll make a matcha latte and sit outside in the evening and work on a new pattern.

2. PUT TOGETHER PUZZLES

I have been a huge fan of puzzles from such a young age I truly cannot remember what sparked my interest. Now I love challenging 1000 piece puzzles and this year I've already completed a few, my favourites being famous paintings that are puzzles. I studied art history briefly in university so working on a puzzle of a painting that I learned about makes me feel like I'm somehow learning more now. 

3. PLAY BOARD GAMES

This one is a give because once you find a board game you love, or more importantly one that you're good at, you can't stop. Ideally you will have a friend, roommate, partner, etc to play with but if not, then allowing tech to help you is the only cheat for this! I've always loved taboo and cranium but this year I've learned a new game, ludo and have finally gotten good at it!

4. HAVE A PICNIC

This may seem like a no brainer but when was the last time you had a picnic? Actually packed snacks, towel, drinks, cup, etc and made your way to a lovely outdoor space to just be. I hope for your sake you can remember the last time because for me, it was really hard to remember the last time I did that! But with the lovely weather we're having this year and the ability to safely meet up with friends for a picnic, it's a great pastime to introduce.

5. GO FOR A WALK

Again, this may seem pretty simple but for me it was a hard one to introduce into my schedule. I remember when I was younger my mom would always suggest going for a walk and I would always reply something along the lines of 'walk where? why go for a walk if there isn't a purpose or end point'. And if that doesn't tell you more about my over productive mentality, I don't know what will. This year though I've started going walks for the sake of, well, going for a walk. It feels extremely refreshing to walk for the pleasure of moving my body and letting my mind wander.