somehow, amazingly, i have hacked the impulse that makes me mindlessly scroll on my phone. it's not gone but i've paired it with a conscious thought process that goes like, "what's my goal here? i'm looking for entertainment, for information, for something that makes me feel more optimistic and interested in the world i live in..."
and because that kicks in between apps, too, i'm not doomscrolling as much. i'm intentionally seeking out posts or videos or whatever that actually mean something to me. when i'm not satisfied i walk away or pick up a book instead. most subtle yet impactful change i've gone through in years
i did not intentionally set out to change this. i've just been working on my mindset in general. hey, turns out having a good therapist again helps
thank you to everyone who has liked this post for reminding me to keep up the habit. just caught myself doomscrolling and remembered i have a nice podcast i could be listening to instead
This post is picking up again and like, this is a stressful time of year. It's the holidays, some of us are going through exams, it's approaching the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere which means it's dark all the time and lots of people are dealing with seasonal affective disorder and feeling depressed.
(Sidebar for southern hemisphere folks: if you randomly get more depressed in the summer, that can also be seasonal affective disorder!)
You may find yourself scrolling more than usual, because you're understimulated, or overstimulated, or trying to cheer yourself up or distract yourself. That's okay.
If it's helping you feel better, then this is a valid way of coping.
If it's not helping, then this is a signal to be kinder to yourself; rest, redirect to a more restorative activity or take some time for self-care you may have been putting off. You don't need to be mad at yourself for scrolling, even if it's something you're trying to cut down on. This is your brain trying to help.
