5 Things to Do Instead of Scrolling Through Social Media Right Now
Do you ever catch a look at your screen time report and cringe as you realize how many hours you have spent mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed? We’ve all been there. It starts by opening the app for a quick scroll, then you harmlessly click from profile to profile and end up on the explore tab where get sucked into the latest celebrity drama or meme page. Before you know it, hours have gone by and you’ve fallen into the massive black hole that is Instagram. When you come back to reality, you feel tired, distracted, and your self-esteem has plummeted.
Welcome back from the abyss.
Break the cycle and start investing your time in things that better serve YOU! Here are a few ideas to help you beat the scroll and better yourself in the process.
1. Unsubscribe from email lists
If you’re going to be on your phone, you might as well be productive. Unsubscribing from email lists is one of the most liberating actions you can take. Not only will your inbox be significantly less flooded from emails that you didn’t even want to receive in the first place, but you will also be less tempted to make spontaneous purchases. Those “We never do this!!!” sale emails are sneaky, right? Now you don’t have to give in.
Do you hear that? I think it’s your wallet thanking you. 😇
2. Go old school and write a letter
There is something so nostalgic about receiving a letter in the mail. It makes you feel valued, loved, and worthy of receiving more than a “How r u” text from a friend. Make somebody’s day by getting out a pen and paper and catching up the old school way. As an added bonus, you can support the USPS by buying stamps to send your snail mail.
3. Move your body
It’s not news that physical activity can do wonders for your physical and mental health, and I’m sure that this isn’t the first time you’ve been advised to get your sweat on. But guess what? You don’t have to do a hardcore HIIT workout to reap the benefits of movement. Take a walk around your neighborhood, do a ten-minute yoga flow, or turn on your favorite tunes and have your own personal dance party. Because social media has been proven to negatively impact your mental health, you can essentially double your impact by replacing the time you would spend scrolling with moving your body!
4. Drink some water
Feeling sad, achy, grumpy, tired, distracted? Water will help. Dehydration has been proven to impact your mood and energy levels.
5. Make a list of 5 things you are grateful for
Taking a few moments to slow down and take note of the things you are most grateful for is a great way to tune into and really be present in the moment and in your life. It is easy to get sucked into all the things you want on social media. It takes considerably more effort and intention to take a moment and reflect on what makes you feel happy, loved, supported and hopeful.
Want to be rewarded for your time spent away from your phone?
Download lilspace, the app that allows you to redeem your minutes spent unplugged for wellness-centered rewards and donations to charitable causes.