17 Things Worth Doing Instead of Doom Scrolling

We don’t need anyone pointing out the obvious to us–the phone is a much bigger part of our lives than actual individuals. Who here isn’t guilty of reaching out for their phone by the side table first thing in the morning, between boring meetings, on the treadmill, at dinner… the list is pretty ridiculous and endless. There are countless articles on the internet co-relating the excessive use of phone with disenchantment with real life. But, we’re not here to bore you with a lecture, here are creative, and some fairly traditional ways to make the most of your time.

• Call a loved one–Admittedly this doesn’t take the phone away, but hey, baby steps first. 

• Take a walk in your favourite neighbourhood- Stop by at your favourite florist, make eye contact with a barista, move outside of your commute.

• Host an evening - It can be as elaborate or low key as you want it to be. 

• Read a book - You’re too old to think books are for nerds. 

• Step into the kitchen - This is less to feed yourself, but more to feel like you learnt something new or made a meal for someone at home. Start small like a mug cake or make an ice cream if you are  pro. The trick is to not make it a chore.

• Write a letter- It could be to your future self, but write on paper without AI prompts.

• Exercise your green thumb- Whether its a full blown banana palm or just microgreens, tend to your little garden, chat with your plants for that earth to mind connection. 

• Host games night - Channel your competitiveness with your friends for some non-screen action fun.

• Learn bartending - Simply so that you can whip up a professional cocktail on a weeknight. 

• Read a newspaper - Most of us learn about world affairs through some algorithmic cycle of notifications and Instagram. Pick up newsprint to stay ahead of the curve.

• Spend time staring at art - That’s all–just walk through your favourite galleries to absorb the beauty.

• Take up an interest in the stock market - Once you get the hang of it, its more a thrill, and less mathematical than it sounds. Trust us on this.

• Journaling - Is it giving 2010s Tumblr? Yes. Will it make things much clearer in your head? Also Yes.

• Start making that business plan - Have a dream that feels too big to put into words? Well, secretly work on your passion project. Every tiny step counts.

• Perfect a skill– It could be taking up a dance class, figuring out that winged liner, perfecting the crow pose. Make a list and go at it, 30 minutes a day.

• Watch a movie- The caveat here though is it should ideally be an art film that challenges your algorithmically synched brain to think differently.

• Meditate, meditate, meditate.