This was a truly horrid thought I had the other day when I was walking over the river while marveling at the water, the city lights, cars, and people. Scrolling and walking do have similarities and realizing this was valuable to me. Scrolling simulates visual stimuli moving across our field of vision as we navigate a digital landscape.
Taking a walk outside, making dinner, talking to a friend in person, or even just wandering around my apartment have all worked to minimize scrolling urges for me. They all also tend to involve the movement of my visual field with constant new stimuli.
Its also important to note that none of these tasks require intensive demands to focus attention. If I want to doom scroll I probably want to relax my brain from concentrated attention while engaging in a repetitive task. Just walking around my apartment is better than scrolling and often more realistic than reading. Finding ways to relax and procrastinate without using screens may seem counter-intuitive but I think it gives me more freedom. Plus I have never regretted going on a walk.
Dec 13, 2024
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Time outside. Reading. Making my own clothes/upcycling old clothes into new clothes. Writing. Cooking or baking, especially for friends/family/etc. Gardening. Painting your nails if you’re into that. Art, drawing, painting, scrapbooking. Going on walks or just outside to take pictures of nature.
Fill your time!! Enriching/fulfilling activities and sunshine are the cure to doomscrolling.
I have no apps for socials other than this, had to download ig for work the other day, found myself scrolling when I was done just out of habit, and I immediately deleted the app and started doing something more productive instead.
1d ago
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i have tendencies toward addiction and i often form habits that are pretty destructive with it, but about two months ago, i started walking and listening to audiobooks and just totally clearing my mind, and it’s a new, actually helpful addiction. i go on at least two two-mile walks a day, sometimes further if i have time. responding to my sensory-seeking urges by pounding the pavement has actually been life-changing.
i think we elevate and laud the ”hard” physical activities like going to the gym, running, pilates, etc., but i’ve always been really solitary when working out, running makes me sick to my stomach, and pilates and other group fitness classes are too expensive. additionally, walking has been proven to be just as good for you as running and less harsh on your joints. i can’t believe i finally found something that’s 100 percent free and so fucking simple to calm the buzzing under my skin and that fiery need to feel something, and it’s something i learned to do before i was a year old. for once, i feel comfortable in my own head.
Feb 28, 2024
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honestly try anything and everything! nothing exists but the present moment. when i want to switch up my day, i’ll read a new book, learn a new recipe, even watching a show feels more productive than doomscrolling on my phone. the easiest way for me to find something to do is looking around my house and using any object i find, or even cleaning. going on walks! oooh if you live in a city, nothing is better than a walk
Sep 10, 2024
Top Recs from @inducedhysteria
i went on a walk from the gloucester train station through downtown past rocky neck and all the way to the eastern point. it is a great summers day activity
Nov 19, 2024
okay yes maybe its short because its a childrens book, but that doesn't detract from it being a classic of postmodern literature
Dec 3, 2024
this pattern was easy to follow and it took only a few days to knit both mittens. I am so happy with how the colorwork looks and the thickness of the mittens.
Dec 13, 2024