5 Self-Care Things to Do Instead of Scrolling
Endless social media use can blur life and disconnect us from ourselves. Discover ways to be productive, reconnect, and slow down through intentional self-care.
Productive Things To Do Instead Of Scrolling
First, congrats on even landing here — you’ve already taken the first step out of the endless scroll. Marketers and psychologists design social media to keep you hooked for as long as possible. I’ve come to realize: the more time I spend watching someone else’s life, the more I feel like I’m losing my own.
It’s strange when you think about it — YouTubers and influencers are building their dreams, their careers, their success — while we sit watching, helping boost their engagement. And while they may genuinely appreciate the support, we also need to make sure we are showing up for our own lives and dreams.
If you’re ready to put the phone down and stop letting social media steal your hours, here are a few ways to fill your time with intention. Remember, people now spend several hours (if not their entire day) on technology — and when you step away, it’s true that no quick dopamine hit compares to a funny video in bed. But don’t waste your life just watching someone else’s story. You can romanticize and optimize your own day, your own routine, your own life.
Clean Your Space
If you’re feeling bored and looking for something to do, cleaning your space can actually be made fun. Light your favorite candle, turn on music you love, and romanticize the moment. If you’re someone who struggles with discipline (trust me, same!), one of the best ways to motivate yourself is to turn everyday tasks into small rituals.
As you get into the groove, you’ll notice how creating a clean, calm space eases your nerves and makes life feel less chaotic. A clean room doesn’t just look good — it supports your mental peace. Whenever I know a busy week is coming, I make it a point to clean my room thoroughly so I’m not adding environmental stress to an already packed schedule.
You can’t control a chaotic world, but you can create peace within your own space — and that’s a powerful act of self-care.
1 of 5
Clean Out Your Phone
If you’re bored, don’t feel like scrolling, but also don’t want to leave bed — try cleaning out your phone.
Chances are, if you have over 1,000 photos in your camera roll, a good chunk of them are accidental or unnecessary (I know I’ve found plenty of blurry floor shots from walking or random screenshots when trying to lock my phone!).
This is also the perfect time to:
Sort through your emails — you might uncover something important you missed
I once missed a job offer simply because my email was so cluttered I didn’t even notice it. That was a wake-up call for me — sometimes digital cleanup isn’t just about organization; it’s about not missing real opportunities.
Delete old apps or games you haven’t touched in months.
Clear out random downloads or notes that no longer serve you.
Not only will your phone feel lighter and more organized, but you’ll also feel a little mental clarity knowing you’re not carrying around digital clutter.
2 of 5
Brain Dump Journaling
Not every journal entry has to start with “dear diary” — in fact, it doesn’t even have to make sense. You don’t need full sentences or perfectly formed thoughts. This is your private space to dump whatever is swirling in your mind onto paper.
Sometimes we scroll aimlessly on our phones because we’re avoiding real life or difficult emotions. By getting those messy, unfiltered thoughts out of your head and onto the page, you give yourself a chance to face what’s been weighing you down. Be radically honest here — no one else will ever read it. If you’re worried about privacy, you can safely destroy the page afterward: flush it, rip it up, or burn it carefully.
This isn’t just about venting — it’s about clearing mental clutter so you can step into action. Once you get what’s inside out, you create space to move beyond dreaming and into doing. This blog is about helping you come out of your head and start living the life you’ve been imagining, one intentional step at a time.
3 of 5
Find A New Recipe
Food is a blessing, and I truly enjoy eating and trying new things. I’ll admit, I like when food comes fast, but lately I’ve realized something deeper: when we want everything in life to be fast, we rush through our lives. We race through experiences, barely present, barely savoring.
Cooking, when you’re not in a rush, can be calming. It invites you to slow down and focus. I enjoy cooking more than baking — I’m not the most meticulous person, and sometimes I do things out of order — but I love cooking for others, and it’s even better when they enjoy the food.
I've found when you focus on cooking, the worries of life fade into the background for a while. And if you’re someone who loves to bake? Then bake! There’s probably a recipe you’ve saved or a dessert you’ve always wanted to try — now is the time to make it happen and bring it to life.
4 of 5
Find New Music
Finding new music can be such a fun and refreshing escape. When life gets busy, I often notice that I’m just recycling the same songs I’ve heard a hundred times. So when I finally get a moment to relax, I turn it into a little vibe: I switch on my LED lights, set my speaker to a soft volume, and pull out my laptop to explore new music.
I love using Spotify because it opens the door to less mainstream tracks and hidden gems. It feels like discovering a new soundtrack for the background of your life — something fresh to carry you through your next busy stretch.
