The Endless Scroll to... Nowhere
Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. Down, down, down. Down the rabbit hole of pictures and comments and likes. Scrolling so deep down that you wouldn’t be able to get out of the trans you’re in. You’re not looking for anything specific, nor are you aware of the ticking clock. Most of us have experienced this before — the mindless scroll to nowhere.
Social Media is wonderful! It can be such a constructive tool for creativity and connectivity. It brings people together and creates a sense of community. For the most part, it’s entertaining and it brings inspiration for many, many things. But good things aside, we’ve all had those times when it leaves us feeling drained, empty, and sometimes, even hopeless. To put it shortly, technology can get the best of us. Technology affects our day-to-day, our physicality, and our emotions so much that our lives almost revolve around it, in effect, making it hard to simply let go of.
We get so distracted by social media — no doubt in that. Sometimes, it feels like a great big boulder stopping us from getting to the other side. And somehow, it limits us from moving freely through the day. There’s always that need to unlock the phone and start scrolling.
But hey, there are things we can do about it. We have the power to control whatever comes in our way — our distractions. Before unlocking your phone, ask yourself, “why am I picking it up?”
I want to move to use my phone a little more mindfully. I want to use it with intention and direction. I want to revise my relationship with my phone.
Below are some things I do to help myself to move towards that goal. I hope you find it helpful, too —
The Phone Home
Keep your phone inside a little box of sorts — some place enclosed. Let your phone charge and rest there. Before reaching out to take your device from the Phone Home, the act of opening up the box will encourage you to think about your intention behind it. It will get you thinking about the “why.”
Being Aware
Check your screen time before bed. Reflect on how you can move to reduce it tomorrow.
Ding, ding, ding
Notifications, to me, are the most distracting part of my phone. Turning unneeded ones off will really help me stay on task.
All Grey
Set your phone to grayscale through settings. Just like a candy store, color plays a pivotal role in making your phone attractive. If we turn everything black and white, wouldn’t it make it less enticing?
“Sorry, I was on Airplane Mode”
Not only should we turn on Airplane Mode on the plane, but we can use it in the morning (and before bed) to separate ourselves from the ringing phone. You’ll still have the alarm, calendar, and camera, but just no calls or social media. I always feel a sense of peace when I wake up to a quiet phone. Get ready, have a wholesome breakfast, and once you finish looking after yourself, switch off Airplane Mode with intention.
The Special Hour
Using my phone too much can make my mind hazy — sometimes restless, other times anxious, I can feel as if I’m in a daydream. Set aside an intentional hour, disconnected from the noise and information of your phone. Open the windows, breathe in some fresh air.
See you later
Whilst working or sleeping, leave your phone in another room. Don’t be afraid to disconnect. You won’t miss anything.
Listening to Yourself
The moment you feel weighted on Instagram, turn it off. Learn to listen to how you feel in your body. Listen.
— Solaia