Entertainment without the Blue Light

In this digital age, it’s easy to rely on our devices for entertainment. Streaming movies, scrolling through social media, or playing games seem to fill every spare moment. But before blue light was a thing, people found meaningful ways to spend their time—ways that nourished the soul, strengthened relationships, and created lasting memories. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite refreshment, and let’s chat about those timeless forms of entertainment that don’t require technology  and how to rediscover joy in a simpler way.

Transcript

Welcome back to Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. Today, we’re stepping away from the glow of our screens and diving into the world of real entertainment—the kind that doesn’t require charging, updates, or Wi-Fi. It’s about slowing down and reconnecting with simpler joys.

In this digital age, it’s easy to rely on our devices for entertainment. Streaming movies, scrolling through social media, or playing games seem to fill every spare moment. But before blue light was a thing, people found meaningful ways to spend their time—ways that nourished the soul, strengthened relationships, and created lasting memories. Today, I want to revisit those timeless forms of entertainment that don’t require technology. So, grab a cup of coffee or your favorite refreshment, and let’s chat about how to rediscover joy in a simpler way.

First, let’s talk about why we might want to turn off our devices, even for just a little while. Blue light from screens isn’t just hard on our eyes—it also disrupts our sleep patterns and can leave us feeling overstimulated and disconnected. And while technology is a blessing in many ways, it often robs us of face-to-face connection and the slower pace of life we crave.

When we do put down the devices, something magical happens. We start to notice the world around us, connect more deeply with loved ones, and rediscover passions we might have left behind. It’s not about rejecting technology altogether—it’s about choosing to live with intention.

Now let’s explore some ways to entertain ourselves and our loved ones that are free from blue light but full of life and laughter.

1. You can Dive into a Good Book

Books have been a source of entertainment for centuries, offering an escape to other worlds or teaching us new skills. Whether it’s a novel, a biography, or even a gardening guide, there’s something magical about flipping through physical pages. Here are a couple of easy tips for reading:

• Create a cozy reading nook in your home. Add a comfy chair, a soft blanket, and good lighting.
• Make it a family affair with a read-aloud session. Take turns reading chapters and discussing the story as a group.

2. You can Host a Game Night

Board games and card games are fantastic for bringing people together. Whether it’s a competitive game of Scrabble or a laughter-filled round of charades, games create moments you’ll cherish. If you have kids, introduce them to classic games like Monopoly or Clue. For adults, consider strategy games or cooperative games where everyone works together.

3. You can Get Crafty

Tap into your creative side with crafts! From knitting and painting to woodworking and journaling, hands-on activities are a wonderful way to relax and express yourself. You can always take it to the next level by starting a project you’ve always wanted to try, such as quilting, building a birdhouse, or sketching your garden. Or try hosting a crafting party with friends or family. Choose a simple project, provide supplies and share ideas. And don’t forget some delicious refreshments. Those just make any party more fun.

4. You can make it simple and inexpensive, just by enjoying the great outdoors.

There’s nothing quite like stepping outside to refresh your mind and body. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a picnic in the park, or simply sitting on your porch, nature offers endless entertainment. You can also:

• Plan a treasure hunt for kids or a nature scavenger hunt for the whole family.
• Or, try birdwatching or stargazing—both are calming and free.

5. One of my favorite things to do is to Cook or Bake Together with the country boy, my kids, my grandkids, or with friends.

The kitchen is a natural gathering place, and cooking or baking as a group is a fantastic way to bond. Share family recipes, experiment with new ones, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can have a bread-baking day and let everyone try kneading dough, host a “make-your-own pizza” night with a variety of toppings, or go all out and have a Cookie baking challenge. Create a basic dough, and let the challengers add their own ingredients. 

6. You can Bring Back Storytelling. I always loved listening to the stories told by my parents, aunts, and uncles. Long before screens existed, people entertained themselves by telling stories. It’s a simple and powerful way to connect. Share family history or childhood memories around the dinner table. For a fun twist, create a collaborative story where each person adds a sentence or paragraph.

7. Something that isn’t often done any longer is finding entertainment with Music. Music has a way of lifting spirits and bringing people together. You don’t need fancy instruments to enjoy it—just a willingness to participate. Teach your children or grandchildren songs from your childhood. Have a family dance party in the living room or learn a simple folk dance. If you do have friends and family who play musical instruments, invite them over for a Jam session.

8. Start a Journal or Scrapbook, which is often fun entertainment. Writing is a wonderful way to reflect on life and capture memories. Journaling can be deeply personal, while scrapbooking adds a creative twist. Write about your day, your dreams, or things you’re grateful for. Collect photos, ticket stubs, and small mementos to create a scrapbook that tells a story. You can also host scrapbook parties with friends and family and tell your stories while you work on your project.

9. You can get your family involved by volunteering as a group. Serving others can be incredibly rewarding and offers entertainment with purpose. Consider volunteering at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or community garden. You can also create care packages for neighbors or those in need.

Over time, the more you put down the blue light, the more it becomes an enjoyable and beneficial habit. Shifting away from screens can be a challenge at first, especially if it’s become a default activity. Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Set Boundaries: Establish screen-free times or zones in your home, such as during meals or before going to sleep.
• Schedule Activities: Plan specific times for screen-free fun, like Friday night game night or Sunday afternoon picnics.
• Lead by Example: Kids and teens are more likely to embrace these activities if they see adults doing them, too.

Once you make it a habit, you can then reap the rewards of Blue-Light-Free Entertainment. When you make room for these simple joys, you’ll likely notice some changes. Your relationships will grow stronger as you spend quality time together. You’ll feel more rested and present, free from the overstimulation of constant notifications. And you’ll rediscover the satisfaction of engaging with the world in a hands-on way.

Entertainment without the blue light isn’t about deprivation—it’s about abundance. It’s about creating a life filled with meaningful moments, deep connections, and a sense of peace that technology just can’t replicate.

This week, I challenge you to pick one or two activities from this podcast and give them a try. Maybe you’ll invite friends over for a game night or start that craft project you’ve been dreaming about. Whatever you choose, notice how it feels to spend time away from screens. What do you gain? What do you notice? I’d love to hear about your experiences, so feel free to share them by emailing me at julie@thefarmwife.com.

As we wrap up today’s episode, I hope you’re inspired to explore the joys of screen-free entertainment. Remember, the simple life isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing more of what truly matters. So, whether you’re crafting, cooking, or sharing stories with loved ones, know that you’re building a life rich in connection and meaning.

If you want to learn more about living a Simple Life, just visit my website at www.thefarmwife.com/ . If you’re enjoying listening to these podcasts, please consider supporting the show by clicking the SUPPORT button in the show notes. When you do, you’ll be helping me continue bringing you fun and helpful ideas for living the Simple Life you love!

If you have questions or just want to stop in for a visit, you can do that through email at thevirtualporch@gmail.com. And be sure to subscribe – you don’t want to miss a single conversation. I'll be sitting on the porch every Monday morning waiting for your visit!

Thanks again for stopping in. I will see you next week on Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. And while you are waiting for the next episode, grab that glass of refreshment, pull up a rocker, and sit back for a while. It’s time to relax and enjoy.