We are all guilty of it. Every. Single. One. Of. Us.
The dreaded doom scrolling . . .
You know the “I have 15 minutes before the kids get out of school, I’m just gonna browse through Facebook,” or “I’m sitting in this waiting room for who knows how long, might as well surf Instagram.”
Many studies have shown that the average person spends about 150 minutes on social media every day. That’s over two hours. Every day. Can you imagine what you could do with those 2.5 hours instead of mindlessly scrolling through pictures of people you don’t even know (and probably beating yourself up for not looking like them, not going on vacations like them, or not having kids that are “perfect” like theirs)?
Well, I’m here to give you some ideas.
Now, I think there’s a time and a place for social media. You keep in touch with your friends and family, you learn about local shops and restaurants to support, and you find great events to attend. But all of that can be done relatively quickly and doesn’t require 2.5 hours a day.
(Also, I’m guilty of this! I am by no means shaming anyone for doom scrolling — it’s a natural thing, mamas!)
Instead of Doom Scrolling
Here are some of my favorite things to do on my phone instead of doom scrolling . . .
1. Journal on your phone.
That’s right. Open up a “notes” tab (or you can even download these cute journaling apps) and do some self-care! Journaling is a great way to get things out of your mind and be able to process tough stuff. I highly recommend a journal on your phone because, for me, it feels like I’m texting my best friend — but I don’t have to worry about spelling.
2. Text some friends.
Speaking of texting a best friend; DO IT! Scroll through your messages and make sure you didn’t leave anyone hanging (which I do ALL the time) or text a friend that you haven’t heard from in a while. Soon enough, you’ll be feeling connected and loved!
3. Learn a new language.
Yep, that’s right. Straight from your phone, just a few minutes a day, and you could be bilingual. My favorite app is Duolingo. My whole family uses it, even my first and fourth graders! It’s easy, fun, and challenges your mind!
4. Download a book.
Reading from my phone is one of my favorite things to do to keep me from doom-scrolling. There are many apps that you can download books through, but a few of mine are Kindle, Scribd, or the local library’s Libby.
5. Watch a TED Talk.
If you’re feeling a little braindead and just want to sit back and watch something that might also be educational and productive, check out TED talks. You can find a TED talk on just about any topic you can think of. Real people talking about real things — it’s great.
6. Read a Charleston Moms article.
You know it. Hop on the Charleston Moms website, pick a topic, and read on! Everything from parenting to relationships to health and wellness, Charleston Moms has you covered.
