stop doom scrolling
doomscrolling, the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news on your phone or computer, will not only destroy your personality and character but it is detrimental to your mental health. many people are trapped in the habit but do not release the insane effect that even half an hour has on their psyche.
you literally have a whole life to live! why are you wasting it!
and so, here are some tips to help you break this negative compulsion:
use apps or built-in phone features to set time limits on social media and news apps. this can help you become more aware of how much time you’re spending and encourage you to take breaks.
2. schedule specific times for news
designate specific times of the day to check the news, rather than constantly throughout the day. this can help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.
engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises. this can help you stay present and reduce the urge to doomscroll.
4. seek out positive content
balance negative news with positive stories or uplifting content. follow accounts that share good news or inspiring stories.
5. engage in other (offline) activities
find alternative activities to replace doomscrolling, such as reading a book, exercising, or spending time with friends and family. keeping busy with other interests can reduce the temptation to scroll.
6. use thought-stopping techniques
when you catch yourself doomscrolling, use a thought-stopping technique like saying “stop” out loud or visualizing a stop sign. this can help interrupt the behavior and redirect your focus.
turn off non-essential notifications on your phone to reduce the constant influx of news alerts. this can help you control when and how you consume information.
8. reflect on your feelings
take a moment to reflect on how doomscrolling makes you feel. recognizing the negative impact it has on your mood can motivate you to change the habit.
9. set goals for screen-free time
establish goals for spending time away from screens, such as having screen-free meals or dedicating certain hours of the day to offline activities.
talk to friends or family about your efforts to reduce doomscrolling. having support can make it easier to stick to your goals and find healthier ways to stay informed.
bonus. change your mindset
instead of apathy and not caring about your mental health and character, try to grow and build yourself as a person; learn to love yourself. one trick that i use to stop myself if i ever start to rot is reminding myself that i am a creator and not a consumer. this identity reinforcement allows me to simply ignore the doom scrolling urge.
implementing these strategies can help you break the habit of doomscrolling and improve your overall well-being. i wish you luck on your development journey!