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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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
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once I realized that most days I spent entirely at home made me feel awful when they should make me feel rested, I started making a point of getting out of the house on days where I have nothing planned. you can really go anywhere as long as it's a place that you're comfortable and can waste some time in. I would usually go to a coffee shop and do homework/browse the web on my laptop, which I could just as easily do at home but it felt better than doing it there because I actually had to get up, get ready, get outside, and interact with people even if minimally. it just helped me stay grounded.
nowadays if i have to stay home I make a point to force myself to get up at a normal time (sleeping until past noon will make you feel like you can't do anything because it's already so late you migh as well just stay in) and do something creative, usually that helps the time fly if you get engrossed in it for a while. having a hobby is a great timesink that actually feels productive.
if the weather is nice, just go outside and take it in. if you can walk around your part of town, just putting on music an meandering can be a good way to get familiar with your area or find something new to try. I'm a fan of biking so if there's a pedestrian trail in your city just get on and ride. I've found that putting on music and going at a chill pace I can end up wasting hours taking in the sights and vibing and actually get some excercise too.
in general, moving around and getting out are huge. you don't even need to be doing anything ""productive"". but if you must stay inside, get out of the bedroom and find an activity you can get lost in for a while, stimulate your mind a bit.
May 6, 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