The cure to people being chronically online starts with being present in their surroundings
Everyone seems to be addicted to their phones; scrolling through social media in times of social awkwardness, texting and tapping away the boredom. If you relate to this, finding novelty in your surroundings can become your new goal. Here are five things to try to bring whimsy back into your life.
1: Bring back the casual friend hangout
Everyone is busy, but we need to stop treating our friendships like regularly scheduled appointments. Maybe you ask your friends when they’re free, and then pencil it into your Google Calendar, but it’s fun to be spontaneous, and people always have more time than they think. Little, essential tasks, like running errands, exercising and making meals, feel way more whimsical and fun when joined by friends.
2: Touch some grass
Getting out there can be hard, but there is so much more to explore just outside your door, and off your screen. Guelph has so many hiking trails and parks where you can get in touch with nature, not to mention the entire Arboretum. The outdoors is the perfect whimsical setting, whether it be having a picnic, reading in the park or even talking to squirrels.
3: Find a funky hobby
Taking the time to learn something niche is the definition of whimsy. Knit a scarf, play the flute, take up fencing or juggling or even try Irish dance, which is now offered as a dance class at U of G. These hobbies can let your creativity shine while also looking super impressive. Like birds dance to win over potential mates, people can show off their skills to their Tinder date. Now you’re great at something and lucky in love!
4: Spice things up
Trying new things is the spice of life! It’s fun to switch things up by checking out events, listening to a new genre of music or chatting up new people. There’s so much to learn and take in with our senses. Especially with food—people eat everyday, so why not spice meals up? You can do this by trying new recipes and unique fruits like dragonfruit, starfruit, goldenberries and mulberries.
5: Make your everyday more magical
Life is so customizable—you can make it anything you want it to be. You can set little holidays or traditions: every Saturday, get a fancy coffee and read in the park. You can also take your creative ideas and make them real. An example is making everyone that enters your house draw themselves on a Post-it and hang it as a souvenir. Little things like this brighten a person’s day, making it feel festive.
Above all, being whimsical is a mindset that everyone has deep within themselves. Once it emerges, you can see your surroundings in a different light. Small coincidences will feel serendipitous. And little by little, the real world may feel more novel than the digital one.