Six Alternatives To Mindless Scrolling
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Six Alternatives To Mindless Scrolling

Channel laziness into time well-spent, with minimal effort.

726
Six Alternatives To Mindless Scrolling
Autocad Tips

Scenario 1
You walk into Starbucks to meet someone for a coffee date. You sit down, and what do you do? Take out your phone to scroll through your various newsfeeds on social media as you await the arrival of your guest.

Scenario 2
You sleep in because it’s your day off. You stagger to your Keurig, maybe defrost a whole wheat waffle, get back in bed, and what do you do? Sign into Netflix to binge on the next six episodes of "Orange is the New Black."

Millennials need their daily fill of mindless decompression provided by the comfort of a familiar TV show, or what’s trending — let’s face it, it has become an element of our character. But since when has it become a part of our generation’s personality to abuse these daily moments of decompression? It’s no wonder we've turned to these outlets of decompression; technology is everywhere and it's easily accessible. I can't tell you when exactly we started abusing, but I can tell you that even people guilty of partaking aren't proud of it.

So what can we do to break the cycle? There are a few alternative activities to engage in that can turn lazy time into time well-spent. There's no need to exert yourself; it's just some brain activity. The following are options available to those interested in challenging themselves to gain traction on the lost art of entertaining ourselves efficiently without starting at a screen.

1. Make Conversation
I know, we all have our moms telling us not to talk to strangers. So proceed with caution when I tell you that striking up conversation with someone you're sitting next to on a train or plane can lead to learning some amazing things! I can vouch for the art of conversation; some of the most interesting perspectives or pieces of advice I've heard have been given to me by strangers I decided to give or reciprocate a hello to.

2. Sudoku or Crossword
Stimulate your mind while waiting for a bus or sitting in the comfort of your own living room. It’s important to stay sharp. If you're not a math whiz, try crosswords. Even a trivia game will keep you thinking. Studies show that engaging your mind regularly with mind games has the potential to prevent cognitive disease later in life. It’s a win-win alternative!

3. Read an Actual Book
Ah, the lost art of reading a good book. If you're like I am and know Rory Gilmore had it all figured out, you should also know there is no harm in bringing a book with you wherever you go. Invest in used paperbacks — they're cheap and light. It’s amazing how many moments will present themselves as an opportunity to read a few pages. It’s a cliché because it’s true: You're never alone with a book in hand. Try it, just for a week. You'll see how unavoidable it is to ever go back to not having one on you.

4. Grab a Newspaper
What!? Do they still print those?? They do. And they're most likely littering coffee shops and waiting rooms without your noticing. So look around, grab one and don't be afraid to read a whole article, not just some newsfeed headlines. It pays off when you're talking to a professor, potential employer or friends. It never hurts to be well-educated, and this is an easy way to go about being so while also working out your brain.

5. Journal
Looking to get some hand tonnage? Just kidding. But yes, journaling can seem exhausting and too much of an effort to keep up with. However, journaling — whether it comes in the form of note taking, writing or drawing — can be more liberating than daunting. A form of expression, journaling can have an overwhelmingly therapeutic effect on your psyche. Don’t worry about keeping a regular journal, just keep one on your person and whip it out whenever you need to let off some steam or occupy some time.

6. People Watch
Don't get caught. But just taking a moment to absorb your surroundings and people can lead to some interesting observations you'll spend the rest of the day mulling over in your head. It's important to understand the world we live in, and how better to start by witnessing it as an active onlooker? People watching is a free, low maintenance way to pass some time without any additional resources necessary.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51955
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33376
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956233
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181149
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments