Shopping online is very convenient but also, addicting.
These days, many of us are at home looking for activities to fill our day which can lead to a lot of unnecessary spending. This is one reason companies like Amazon have experienced increased revenues in the past few weeks.
Online shopping can be necessary, but if you’re on a budget or want to focus on saving more money, avoid adding to your cart!
Here are 13 alternative ways to use your time instead of shopping online.
1. Read a Book
Reading a book is a great option whether you’re looking to relax, be entertained or learn something new. If you’ve always said you didn’t have time to read books in the past, challenge yourself to read a few books now.
If you prefer to listen to audiobooks, sign up for a free trial of Audible.
RELATED: How to Earn Money Reading Books
2. Video Games
Have a few video games lying around the house? Unwind and bust out the classics.
My husband got me Sims 4 about two years ago and I never had much time to play it. Now, we can have some family video gaming nights with one and two-player games.
RELATED: Earn Money Testing Games
3. Plant Seeds
Once the weather gets nice enough, consider planting a small garden. Gardening seeds are very cheap. All you need to do is a little research first before getting started.
4. Get Active
Staying in shape is another way to get your mind off shopping. YouTube has plenty of workout videos and some gyms even have live fitness classes. Walking or riding your bike around can also be another easy way to stay healthy and active. Start out slow and keep building yourself up each day.
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5. Clean Your Car
Go out to your car and give it a much-needed cleaning. Vacuum the inside and if you have a hose you can even wash the exterior and give it a shiny new look.
6. Art Projects
Something that the whole family can join in on is doing drawing or painting projects. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but art can be a way to get your mind off things.
Art projects for adults can be therapeutic and a way to cope with stress.
7. Listen to a Podcast
It’s kind of crazy to think about how many different podcasts there are these days. Try some out and there will be something you will fall in love with.
RELATED: 7 Best Work From Home Podcasts
8. Declutter Your Home
It might not be the most fun option, but if you need to organize, now is a great time to do so.
Start with one room at first and go from there. A cleaner house makes it easier to find things and clears up mental space.
9. Cook or Bake Something
Consider cooking or baking something new using ingredients that you already have on hand at home. Earlier this week, I made greek donut holes with just three ingredients: yeast, milk, and flour. It was a fun, and basically free, recipe to try at home.
10. Cards and Board Games
I’m sure you have board games or playing cards at your house that can distract you from shopping. Board games are a fun way to enjoy time with loved ones.
11. Learn a New Skill
Instead of buying something that you may not even need, diversify your skillset and learn something new. Sites like Cousera and Skillshare have compiled a variety of affordable courses for people to choose from.
12. Journal
Writing in a journal is a great way to jot down your thoughts, express your gratitude and self-motivate. It can even be helpful to write down why you are feeling pressured to shop online. Who knows, writing about different topics and more could encourage you to want to start a blog.
RELATED: Top 5 Ways to Make Money Blogging
13. Watch a Documentary
Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are great for binging TV shows but they also have plenty of documentary options. Some are so addicting that it’s hard to stop once you get started.
This can be a great way to not only relax, but learn something new you didn’t know.
Do Something Productive!
Shopping online isn’t bad, but it can often lead you to spend mindlessly and make impulse purchases that you may regret later. Plus, there are plenty of other and much better things you can do with your time.
What are some of your favorite alternatives to shopping online when you’re bored?
