After a grueling day at the office and a little house-cleaning, you slump into the sweet embrace of a large recliner. You pull out your phone, looking for low-effort entertainment. You see a notification from a social media app, which delights you with a pleasant little dopamine hit. You open the app and begin to scroll and scroll and scroll. Your eyes glaze. Suddenly, three hours have passed and it’s time for bed. Where did those precious hours of freedom go?
Most of us have experienced something like this. Digital devices have a tendency to devour free time. They’re so convenient, so ready-to-hand when we want to dispel a bit of boredom or take our minds off things for a few minutes. But often, “a few minutes” transforms into a few hours. We don’t know how to use the downtime before bed, so our phones fill that vacuum.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to “beguile the lazy time” (as Shakespeare called it). Here are 10.
1. Have a Four-Course Meal
Treat yourself or your loved one like a client at a high-end restaurant. Make the fanciest dishes you know—and if the majority of your meals normally come out of boxes, then it’s time to learn how to cook something more elaborate. The learning process is part of the fun. An hors d'oeuvres and cocktail, soup or salad, main course, and dessert—that’s the ticket.
Setting the table with finery like candles, a tablecloth, and fine china adds to the experience . Tuxedo and evening gowns optional.
2. Work on a Hobby or Skill
Evenings are perfect for engaging in hobbies and bettering skillsets, whether it's sewing or language studies. Biba Kayewich
It’s time to break out that stamp collection, sewing project, watercolors, or the flock of ducks you keep for competitive duck herding. The hours between dinner and bedtime are perfect for devoting to a hobby or craft that you love. If you don’t have one yet, it might be time to discover something you love to do. Additionally, these evening hours can be spent developing a new skill. Maybe you want to learn how to code, play the guitar, or communicate in Cantonese. This is your chance.
3. Read Aloud
What’s more delightful than curling up by the fire with a good mystery novel? Reading has always been a great way to wile away the time. But if you want to make the activity more communal, consider reading aloud to a loved one (or ones). For the truly committed, consider starting a read-aloud group with friends, complete with snacks, drinks, and deep philosophical discussions lasting into the wee hours.
4. Attend a Concert or Play
Live music and theater have an energy and excitement you can rarely get from a screen. Live performances are unique and unrepeatable, giving them unmatched authenticity. They’re also a great way to connect with others.
Even if you go to a play or concert alone, you’re still connecting socially with the performers, fellow audience members, and even the generations before you who’ve enjoyed and been moved by the works of great playwrights and composers.
5. Have a Conversation
One of the best ways to deepen a relationship is to talk about things that matter to you. Aristotle said that conversation “especially seems to be the mark and cause of friendship.” We’ve compiled a list of 50 conversation-sparking questions to get you started.
6. Play a Game
It’s remarkable how much joy can spring from a simple pack of playing cards. Whether it’s cards, Monopoly, or another board game, games provide opportunities for laughter, competition, excitement, and bonding. If you’re alone for the evening, that doesn’t have to stop you: many games can be played solo.
7. Journal or Brainstorm
Research has indicated a surprising number of benefits to be gleaned from journaling, including improved mood, reduced stress, and fewer sick days. Reflecting on your day can help you deepen self-knowledge, process your experiences, and plan for the future. Similarly, if you have an important personal or professional project, evening hours are agreat time to brainstorm and plan.
8. Play a Sport
Many gyms offer classes and leagues for various sports, many of which take place in the evenings. Rekindle your high school athletic interests and meet new people by joining a class or league. Pickleball, for example, is one of the fastest growing sports in America and can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages.
9. Enjoy a Podcast or Online Course
This passive activity allows you to make good use of your downtime by improving your mind. Thanks to the internet, more educational material is available for free or at a low cost than ever before. From documentaries to podcasts to video lectures—on almost every conceivable topic—there’s something for everyone. We’ve collected a list of resources for studying the classics here.
10. Go for a Walk
Going for a walk can provide a peaceful end to the day. The physical exercise, mental stimulation, and exposure to natural beauty make it an excellent choice for winding down after a busy day. Walking has been shown to reduce depression and improve immune system function.
Hopefully, with these ideas in store, you can find ways to decompress without resorting to the phone next time. You might even find that you live a richer life by doing so.
Walker Larson
Author
Prior to becoming a freelance journalist and culture writer, Walker Larson taught literature and history at a private academy in Wisconsin, where he resides with his wife and daughter. He holds a master's in English literature and language, and his writing has appeared in The Hemingway Review, Intellectual Takeout, and his Substack, The Hazelnut. He is also the author of two novels, "Hologram" and "Song of Spheres."
