In today’s ever-connected digital age, many of us, including myself, unintentionally find ourselves picking up a phone and mindlessly scrolling. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or browsing through news feeds, the internet has found a way to somehow capture our attention and satisfy our short-term craving — while leaving us empty afterwards.

It’s a habit which many of us want to change: and this is what I wanted to write about in this blog, exploring the different reasons behind this and how we can break free of its cycle.

CUE: (The Idea of) Escapism ——→ Mindless Scrolling

A main observation I had, is that when I consciously choose to open these apps to mindlessly scroll (to go on Instagram, YouTube or Facebook and scroll through the feeds mindlessly) is that usually, it’s usually because I want to “escape” from something.

Usually, it boils down to two things that I find myself wanting to escape from:

• Reality (especially when I have to work on a daunting task or encounter an uncomfortable situation, things that I don’t wanna face)

• Boredom (the urge and longing to escape from that feeling of doing nothing)

[By the way, did you know that by being bored, you can be your most productive self? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5w5XYvTAlU)]

Fight Back by Recognizing Our Cues

To understand our own personal cycle of mindless scrolling, we have to recognize our own cues.

Every time you feel like scrolling, ask yourself:

• Do I feel a need to escape from something, and if so, why?

• What am I trying to avoid?

• Is there a healthier way to take a break?

It’s important to really recognize that mindless scrolling IS NOT a “real” break, rather, it zaps you of your energy and leaves you feeling tired, and without the energy of doing tasks that you need to do.

It’s a temporary distraction — something that satisfies your craving for the short-term, but leaves you empty and fatigued.

Taking Real Breaks

The urge of escapism is a signal that your body needs rest and that it doesn’t want to work anymore; so instead, look for something that energizes you.

Do things like:

• Power Naps

• Taking an Energizing Snack

• Enjoying a Short Burst of a Hobby (like reading, playing chess, drawing, etc)

• Taking a Short Walk (unwind and look around at nature)

Do anything you want, as long as it’s a real break: allowing your mind to rest and simultaneously helping give you energy you need.

Ultimately, though (on a more personal note)…

It's pretty unsustainable to ALWAYS face things head on; especially by yourself.

Even with a well-rested break, there are always times where you don't feel like working: burnout is real - and the opportunity to spiral back is always there.

And that’s why time and time again, I learn that sheer willpower isn't enough to keep going; it never is.

Personally, I find the strength to keep going through God, submitting all to Him and asking Him to give me the strength and energy and trusting that He will help see me through this.

To Conclude…

Every time you feel that urge of escapism, remember that you can’t escape from reality.

So instead of escapism, face and acknowledge the reasons behind it — and if needed, take a break.

(But more than anything, remember that you don’t have to face everythng alone, face it with God.)