Whether it is on your morning commute or having a leisurely day-out, your Metro journey is the perfect place to start up a new hobby or just take a few minutes out of your day to do something for yourself or others. Here are five activities you can do on Metro rather than scroll on your phone..

1. Knitting 

   

   Knitting, since the COVID pandemic, has had a boom in popularity. It's ability to be on the go makes it a perfect hobby to pick up on Metro. Knitting can be a way to avoid doom scrolling while creating something sustainable that can be loved and enjoyed by yourself or others. Knitting has been said to reduce stress by 85% and improve moods by 68%, making it very therapeutic.

   Knitting has a history within the North East too. The fishing communities in North Shields in the 18th and 19th century created 'Ganseys" which were durable jumpers for fishermen. Families passed down the knitting pattern through generations - you could have a Gansey pattern linked to your family and not even know it! There is also modern knitting community initiatives in Tyne and Wear which, once mastering your skills on Metro, you could become a part of. Such as the Woolly Westers, a group from Benwell and Scotswood in Newcastle, who gained recognition for knitting entire scenes and buildings from their local area. 

    

2. Birdwatching 

   

   Along both Metro lines, you will pass through some stunning green spaces, which have a whole flurry of wildlife. Look up and out the window, instead of down at your phone, and you could spot some iconic birds. The most common bird in Tyne and Wear is the house sparrow, seen often flying through residential areas along the yellow and green line. Bird wildlife in Tyne and Wear is also growing, with the number of long tailed tits increasing by at least 62% since 2015, showing it is the perfect time to start your new hobby. One bird that is especially exciting to see, on Metro, is the famous black-legged Kittiwake whom nest on the Tyne Bridge and The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. When you are crossing the river Tyne on Metro, look and see if you can spot the world's most inland Kittiwake colony. 

    

3. Podcasts

   

Now, although initially a podcast requires you to go onto your phone, the start of your Metro journey is a great point to press play on a podcast, turn off your phone screen and listen whilst you embark on your trip. Podcasts vary across a range of genres, whether you want to learn about a specific topic or listen to a true crime story, there is something for everyone. The North-East have some amazing locally produced podcasts to listen to. For example, the How Haunted? podcast by Rob Kirkup investigates in depth the ghostly history of some of the most iconic North East locations. If a paranormal podcast isn't your thing and you're into sport, Here to Compete, hosted by Pete Graves, is a quality production. With unforgettable interviews and inside knowledge from a top-level football broadcaster, it is a great one to listen to, especially if you a heading to a football match on Metro. 

4. Reading 

The most popular alternative to scrolling on a phone is reading. Reading allows you to step out of your daily life and think in new ways and learn. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, there is always something to gain from a good book. The most popular books set in Tyne and Wear have to be the Vera collection. Written by crime writer, Ann Cleeves, Vera is a tale, set in the North East, of a detective trying to decipher mysteries and murders. The books have been converted into a TV series, however if you want to either relive the series or read something new, this is the perfect choice. Perhaps, on Metro, you are travelling with your family and looking for a fun way to teach history. The horrible histories books are written by, Sunderland born and bred, Terry Deary. Terry Deary has sold more than 25 million books and their length makes them a perfect read for a Metro journey. Engross yourself in a good book, just remember not to miss your Metro stop! 

5. Spark up a conversation

The last one on the list may seem daunting to some, creating a conversation with a stranger can feel awkward when you don't know how someone will react. However, you never know if that conversation is just what the other person needed. If you are sat next to someone who isn't engrossed in their device, perhaps just ask how their day is going, talk about the weather or ask what the next stop is (even if you know). This could open up a new conversation, where you can learn about someone else's life and add some brightness into someone else's day. Age UK suggest that over 250,000 people aged 65 and over don't speak to anyone they know every week. You could change that and make someone feel that bit less lonely.