As the semester comes to its end, it can be easy to pick up your phone after a long day of studying or test-taking. Phones offer us a sense of connection from the dopamine surges given through notifications to curated content and social approval. The uncertainty and randomness of these things are what keeps people going back, because when rewards are given unpredictably, they are more appealing. However, getting outside instead might even help you with finals a little. Studies have shown getting outside can help people concentrate and focus better, along with other benefits such as relaxation and improved physical and mental health.
Americans’ average screen time is around seven hours per day, which means we spend nearly 40% of our waking hours on a screen. Over summer it can be easy to spend your days inside on your phone because you might not have any classes to go to or schoolwork to do, but summer is the best time to get outside — not just because of the weather, but because there is so much potential for what you could do.
If you’re stuck on what exactly to do outside, here are some outdoor activities throughout Bloomington to swap your favorite phone activities with.
Some of the most downloaded apps are social media like TikTok and Instagram, and unfortunately these are the apps that can be the easiest to become addicted to and sit and scroll on for hours on. Scrolling on these apps can release dopamine in your brain, making you want to continue scrolling. This summer, replace scrolling with strolling — go for a walk with your favorite music playing. Music and physical activities are two healthy ways to release dopamine.
In 2024, Roblox was one of the most downloaded games worldwide. It can be hard to put down because the platform offers so many different games for users to choose from within the “virtual universe.” Obstacle course games are one of the popular games on Roblox, and a good outdoor alternative to these is learning parkour, creating an obstacle course or going for a run. Bloomington Parkour is a good place to learn parkour because it is a nonprofit group that offers free parkour lessons to all age ranges.
Roblox has many other types of games as well. For example, “Adopt Me!” is a game where you can adopt and care for virtual pets. A good alternative to this would be going outside and playing with your or a friend’s pet or going to the zoo if you don’t have one.
Another option would be volunteering at an animal shelter or with animals. If you want to make a longer commitment to this, you can volunteer at the Bloomington Animal Shelter. However, you must serve a minimum of six months and there is currently a waitlist to join. Another option would be volunteering with the Monroe County Humane Association, which is a group dedicated to keeping families and pets together. They have many animal-based volunteer options.
If you like to play the popular game “Hay Day” or other similar farming games like “Gardenscapes,” a good alternative would be creating your own garden. Even if you don’t have a big yard, you can grow a small garden of flowers or create a collection of potted herbs, fruits or vegetables. Some good gardening stores in Bloomington include Bloomington Valley Nursery, Mays Greenhouse and oak. Similar to the other outdoor activities, gardening can also release dopamine and make you feel happier and less stressed.
If you like to play games like “Subway Surfers” or other endless runner games, a good alternative would be going for a run, or a more fun alternative would be playing tag with your friends. You could do this in a backyard or visit a park like Bryan Park or Switchyard Park. You could also use Dunn Meadow or Woodlawn Field. You can even play different variations of tag like cops and robbers, for example, to make it more similar to the game.
As Minecraft is very popular right now due to the release of the new film, “A Minecraft Movie,” you could replace playing the game inside with doing things like going for a hike and exploring nature outside. Griffy Lake has several hiking trails and is close to campus, making it a great place for hiking. Another option with more choices in hikes is the Charles C. Deam Wilderness within the Hoosier National Forest.
Paint by number games and other artistic coloring games are very popular. A good alternative to these games would be to paint a nature scene outside or even just draw with sidewalk chalk.
If you’re a movie lover and like to stay inside and watch movies over the summer, you can still opt for an outdoor option. Over the summer Bloomington offers movies in the park, which is a good alternative to watching a movie at home if it is nice outside. The Starlite Drive-In is also a good option that is still relatively cheap, and they have occasional free events. If you want to opt for an at home option, you could create your own outdoor movie screening with a projector.
Getting outside is important for your physical and mental health, and sometimes over the summer when there is no schoolwork, it can be hard to remember to get off your phone and do something active. Because social media can be very addictive, once you get scrolling it is hard to stop even if it is nice out. Finding alternatives to your favorite phone activities can be a great way to feel better and take advantage of your free time this summer.
