What to do instead of scrolling
A comprehensive list of ways you can replace the time spent on your phone
Here’s the honest truth – if you cut out your bad internet habits — social media, forums, gaming, etc — you’re going to have time to fill. You’re going to need to decide what to do instead of scrolling. Maybe some of that time will be spent doing things that you should have been doing – dishes piling up, finally cleaning the floorboards, reorganizing your closet. It’s imperative, however, that you find something you want to do that will add value to your life.
Close your eyes and picture yourself a year from now. Are there skills you want to have mastered? New hobbies you want to take up? Old hobbies you want to revisit? It’s key to find something that sparks joy.
This might take some trial and error. For years, I wanted to master digital photography. All of the internet tutorials seemed easy enough. I borrowed a friend’s DSLR and got to work. And guess what? It didn’t come naturally to me. I couldn’t remember which settings created what type of images no matter how much I practiced. The final result was more often the opposite of what I was envisioning. And honestly, I just didn’t enjoy it.
So tail between my legs, I returned the DSLR and crossed that off my “to learn” list. But do you know what I discovered I do enjoy? Playing around with Polaroid and Disposable Film Cameras. I’m not an expert, but it helps me scratch the photography itch and it keeps me in the moment when capturing pictures of my family.
All of this to say — take a look at this list. It’s in no way exhaustive, but it can hopefully spark some inspiration for you. These can be things you do solo, but they can also be things you do together with friends and family. Instill a weekly game night or start a book club with your friends. Take a gardening class with your neighbor and share tips as you begin to grow in your backyard. The opportunities are endless.
One important note before diving in — here is where it’s important to remember that the Internet is a resource and a tool. If you are new to cooking, there is a world of videos and tutorials at your fingertips that can help you learn that new skill. If you do not feel ready to use the Internet in this way yet, for risk of falling into a rabbit hole of non-cooking related videos, find a more tactical hobby or explore if you can find in-person cooking classes or cookbooks at your local library.
Remember — people learned new skills before the Internet. It’s a convenient tool, but it’s not the only tool. For as many as I could find resources for, I’ve linked a highly rated book you can purchase or check out at your library.
How to stop the scrolling habit: a comprehensive list of alternatives to scrolling
In the Kitchen:
Make something with your hands:
Grow something:
Expand your mind:
Move your body:
Adult Rec Classes
Write it down:
IRL Games:
Musical pursuits:
Discover new music
See live music
Attend local musicals
Community:
Attending local workshops
Start a book/garden/film (any special interest) club
Plan regular dinner/brunch/lunch/bbq parties
Attend local theater shows
Go to a comedy show
Be one with nature:
Nature walks
Learn a new skill:
Hi reader. In the coming weeks, I’m launching a new reader Q&A series. If you have a question about digital minimalism or starting your own journey to break free from the internet, shoot me a message at the link below.
It is all weird to see guides like this when some of us actually remember [and grew up] life before smartphones, and even life without internet.
I do feel sad for the younger generation [sounding like my grand parents back in day] who cannot seem to live without constant contact to life in cyberspace but cannot seem to connect to the real world..