We’ve all been there: You pick your phone up to check a DM, then all of a sudden it’s been four hours and the back button is buried amongst endless profiles you’ve clicked into and the seven-part-series video about the latest celebrity drama. Right? No, just us?
It’s all-too easy to fall into the doomscrolling hole (the apps are literally designed to pull you in — it’s them, not you!), but that doesn’t mean succumbing to it is good for you, either. Doomscrolling has various physical and mental ripple effects, and while opting out of notifications and keeping your phone away from your work or sleeping spaces can help, one of the most effective ways to cut back on screen time might actually be to distract yourself entirely.
Instead of letting the algorithm win, try one of these alternatives.
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1. Hot Girl Walk
Throw on your favourite activewear set, put the volume to high on your latest and most favourite podcast or tunes and get to it girl. Strut, march, run, or even stroll through your day (with bonus points if you have a Matcha in hand)
2. Read a Book
Reading is the OG hobby for peace of mind — a traditional escape route from the loud noise of the world. Whether it’s a page-turning thriller, or gripping romance, submerge yourself chapter, by chapter into a great book. There you have it, suddenly your screen time down by 40 per cent (ground-breaking, we know).
3. Make a Vision Board
Okay, we’ll meet you half way. Want to stay on a screen but minimise the scroll? Why not manifest while you’re at it.
Hop on Pinterest (you’re welcome), and start visualising your dream life, picture by picture building the ground work for your future. All is fair in vision boards — career goals, travel plans, aesthetic inspiration and more.
4. Start a New Hobby
Find a low-pressure hobby, like crocheting or colouring in, and just immerse yourself. These activities give you all the pleasure of a creative outlet without expecting perfection. Plus you might end up with some really cute handmade gems to show off!
5. Journalling
It might have been too long since you’ve picked up a pen, but now is the time. Picking out a cute journal is the first step, but allow yourself to pour out all your thoughts, goals and secrets.
6. Romanticise Cooking
Take up your inner Masterchef and endless wealth of FoodTok (after too much scrolling) By taking your time with the chopping, stirring, and most importantly tasting, all whilst syncing choreography to your favourite song at the moment, you’re sure to wind up with a (close to) five star meal.
7. Declutter Your Space
A deep room clean can all to easily go from a quick glow up to drowning in your closet holding a jumper you haven’t worn since 2016. Be sure to set a timer, toss out anything that doesn’t bring you value — do not shove it in the bottom drawer, again. Remember, a clean space is a clean mind.
8. Watch a Movie
Either choose a movie you have watched too many times or something new but this time you mean business. No scrolling whilst it’s on, you have to lock in. Grab a snack, get under the covers and dive into another world — without worrying about a niche three hour drama series on TikTok.
9. Learn A New Skill
We know DuoLingo loves to see you coming — but if you’re too scared of commitment, we get it. Whether it’s photography, graphic design or knitting, or even finally mastering how to wing that eyeliner, picking up a fresh skill makes you feel super accomplished and gives you something to flex later.
10. Self Care
You’ve watched enough Get Ready With Me’s to know how to maximise the 10 skincare and beauty products in your cabinet. Get to it! Light a candle, put in a hair mask, eye patches and your latest and favourite face mask so youre self care is high and your screen time stays low.
