5 ways to spend time off-screens at TMU
Hey, it’s Ido, fourth-year Image Arts: Film student and your Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) student ambassador.
Whether I’m taking notes during a lecture or editing my film assignments after class, I spend a lot of time on my computer. If I was brave enough to check what my screen time actually was — I’m sure I wouldn’t be happy with the result.
To have mercy on your eyes, neck and general sanity, it’s important to take screen breaks. Finding time to put down my devices, or touch grass, as it were, helps me reorient myself and refocus my thoughts. Here are some of my favourite screenless activities on and around TMU’s campus.
Work out at the Recreation and Athletic Centre
The Recreation and Athletic Centre (RAC) is one of 2 gyms at TMU, the second one being the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC). Putting your phone down (once you’ve queued up a no-skips playlist) and starting to move is a welcome change after a day of sitting down. The RAC has top-notch gym equipment where you can lift weights and build up your cardio. You can also attend group fitness classes, drop-in sports programs and intramural sports. At the RAC, you’ll be off screens while supporting your physical and mental health. You can access the facilities using your OneCard (your membership is included in your student fees)!
The entrance to the RAC.
Explore the city using Bike Share Toronto
Biking is a great way to avoid screens and take in the sights of Toronto. You can get physical exercise while exploring new neighbourhoods. I love biking along the waterfront and getting some lake air. As a TMU student, you get 20% off of the annual Bike Share Toronto membership if you register with your TMU email address.
Meet with friends at a café or restaurant
Toronto is full of world-class dining, some of which can be easily enjoyed on a student budget. On campus, you can always eat in at Oakham Café, one of TMU’s student eateries. You can also check out some spots just off campus, such as my favourite: Thai on Yonge. It’s only a couple minutes' walk north of campus. A Panang curry, a Thai iced tea and some good company make a place like this the perfect one to unplug from your devices and connect with your friends.
Go to museums or galleries
One of my favourite ways to get off screens is to explore the city’s many museums or galleries, often free for students. TMU’s Image Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) are a few examples. Taking time to explore art and artifacts allows you to slow down, learn something new and be inspired. This is an opportunity to get a non-digital sensory experience.
There are always new installations to check out at the Image Centre gallery free of charge!
People watch!
Why look at your phone when you can park yourself on a bench on Gould Street in the middle of campus and watch people and dogs go by! The TMU campus is full of interesting people and unique events taking place which you can easily observe all without being on your phone. This is also a great stress reliever and an opportunity to get fresh air.
Stepping away from screens can make a bigger difference than you think. Even taking short breaks has helped me feel more present in my day. If you’re spending lots of time on screens for classes, try some of these sans-screen activities — your mind will thank you!
Until next time,
Ido, your student ambassador