You guys are helping me big time!

[oak]

Good luck!

Please do keep us posted.

[Beany Boo]

I encourage a shift from ‘compulsive’ to ‘decisive’ browsing and scrolling, themed, off-road or strategically unfocused, unreasonable search expectations or kindful and whimsical; or randomly time-limited. There’s got to be some risk, which includes the chance of finding something you end up treasuring. Then putting the phone down will have some weight and friction. Good hunting!

[snoringdog]

Agreed! Intention makes all the difference.
Taking just a moment to think "Why am I doing this now? To learn something, to have a little fun, or to just pass time?" (can be a good or a bad thing).

Prevents doom-scrolling hangover. (Which I have had many times).

SD

[manuel_moe_g]

Thanks Oak, Beany, SnoringDog!

Self-Compassion when I catch myself scrolling without intention, Celebration when i shift focus away from scrolling without intention

Self-Compassion and Celebration are so foreign for me, i will strive to make them into new habits for 2022!

[Beany Boo]

I’ll be honest, self-compassion and celebration are foreign to me too, at least in the context of smartphone scrolling. I guess if I applied it in that way, I would probably show myself compassion for feeling bored, confused, frustrated, maybe for being starved of genuinely helpful information; that it was okay, realistic even to feel those things. With my history, celebration would probably entail having a temper tantrum about not knowing/getting what I want, without that turning into a full blown panic. I definitely feel self-compassion and like celebrating when I navigate those situations adequately.

[manuel_moe_g]

Minor setback today, mindless scrolling sometimes feels so delicious

Self-Compassion, Manuel, and Celebrate that I <did> eventually put down the phone

[snoringdog]

Shit. I did it to myself this morning.

Lazy doom-scrolling, and I feel the worse for it.

Wanted to go to a local birding hotspot this am before work, but it's been cold, overcast and rainy. I don't usually pick up my phone first thing, but today I did and of course found all manner of disturbing, discouraging and enraging things.

So as penance , I'll now use the 7-minute workout app on my phone (the one that Beany posted). Doesn't take long, and I always feel better afterwards.

Using the tech at hand "for good instead of evil"

[manuel_moe_g]

That is awesome, SD!

[Mental Fairy]

Oh SD, i so resonate with this. I do the same and that is a big part of what gets me down to begin with. I have now however logged onto google and typed in happy news, or good news and what comes up is a good start to the day! Most days now i won't allow myself to look at my phone until 8am. It is getting easier and easier.

I do wonder however if we go back in time, say ..1800's what the people of that era did when they first woke up! Feed animals, fluff sheets, made butter or bread!!!

[rivergirl]

I'm sorry you missed your morning of birding, SD. Has the weather changed over the past few days so you can get outside?

I've noticed the birds are more active today after some late spring rain last week. And one of the local wetland conservancy groups held their 5K race fundraiser last weekend for the first time in a decade or so. It's called "Running Is For the Birds."

I love that you did the workout! I relate to anyone who has an issue with using their phone as a form of distraction. I'm going to try the brief workout next time I emerge from a phone fog.

In solidarity,

rg