Things I did this week instead of scrolling on my phone
How I spent my ‘reset’ week to recover from a chaotic season of life.
After a very rough start to the month, I finally find myself in a season of life where I can slow down. Resting has never come naturally to me, so the fact that I will now have time to focus on my well-being made me feel a little nervous at the start.
Nervous because I know myself better than anyone else in this world.
Nervous because I know I struggle to sit still for more than a few minutes at a stretch.
Nervous because I know I am still learning to make peace with the fact that slowing down does not mean that I am falling behind.
So, I decided to change the way I look at the idea of rest in my life. For me, resting does not equate to stillness. It means that I continue to do my tasks, just at a slower pace. And I intentionally choose to do things that make me feel at peace, specifically the ones that do not involve my phone.
Here are three things I did this week instead of scrolling on my phone:
Journal
I spent time journaling about topics like finding peace and adjusting to change, among many things. I treat my journal as a document of utmost importance that will continue to exist after I’m long gone. It is precious and in many ways, a visual representation of my journey on this planet.
Unsolicited advice: When you feel like the world is too much, drop everything and write. Even on days when everything seems to be on track, writing down your thoughts will bring the clarity you generally seek in life.
Puzzles
I love solving puzzles. So naturally, when I decided to experience a reset week, I had to solve puzzles instead of scrolling on my phone. I think puzzles are a great way to circle back into the present when your mind is stuck between everything that has happened and everything that could be.
“There is something about solving puzzles which draws me towards it when life starts to feel chaotic. Maybe because it serves as a reminder that even the messiest looking things can eventually take shape and look the most beautiful.”
Baking
I would not label myself as the best cook, but cooking has always felt therapeutic. I tried baking cookies for the first time, which ended up tasting like extra sweet but tasty biscuits, with only 30% of the batter successfully producing something edible.
The point is that you don’t need to be perfect to start. We are all learning as we go. Once you choose to be intentional about keeping your phone aside to try new things, you will notice a positive shift in your life, along with a desire to build a well-balanced life.
This week, I encourage you to choose living over scrolling.
Do something that brings a smile to your face.
Do something that allows you to appreciate what you have now instead of wanting to be where someone else is.
Do something you have never done before. Push your boundaries to see what you are capable of, even though you are not perfect.
Do something that allows your eyes to see beyond a laptop screen because that is where life unfolds.
THIS WEEK’s RECOMMENDATIONS
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I find that the moments where you don’t want to sit still are exactly the moments you should. I love all the things you did instead of reaching for your phone. For me, I try to grab a book, play with my dogs in the yard, or go for a walk 😌
Great read! Actually I have stopped scrolling my phone unnecessary in my free time and instead I prefer journalling, reading books, having coffee at ease, going for a walk, just being alone with my thoughts and cleaning my room.