8 Things To Do Other Than Check Social Media

On average, people spend 2 hours and 24 minutes on social media per day. According to Backlinko, 53.8 of those minutes are spent on TikTok and 33 minutes on Instagram. 

It’s been a tough day at work. We’re feeling overstimulated. We’re bored. We’ve all been there. Going into a phone hole can be a comfort and a curse. Certainly for me, anyway. Sometimes I find social media is a perfect escape and comfort, but then I see someone’s highlight and think maybe I need to dress better. Maybe I need to be more successful. Maybe I should eat differently. Why can’t I get up at 4:30 am and do a workout? Why can’t I be as good at [enter anything] as them? I’m useless.

My brain is then in overload, enter the curse. 

So. I decided for lent this year, I won’t give up chocolate or wine. I will give up something that might be a little trickier – social media. 

To save me from clicking on those familiar icons that my fingers seem to automatically gravitate towards, I have new plans for what I’ll do on my phone.

If you’re sick of scrolling, are worried about its effects on your mental health or concerned about a repetitive strain injury, here are my ideas for things to do on your phone instead of checking social media and doom scrolling.

7 things to do on your phone instead of checking social media

1. Read

This year I got the library app set up on my phone. This means I have access to thousands of free books. I choose one and have 21 days to read it. Instead of flicking to the social channels, I’ve been opening my book and reading a couple of pages or more while I’m at the doctors, waiting for my car to be serviced, or needing a timeout from life. Ask your local library which app they use and get borrowing.

2. Check your bank 

Get money savvy. Start a savings account and set up a direct debit. Organise your money into ‘pots’ so you know exactly where your money is going each month. This is a satisfying task that will see financial rewards. Download a podcast about money (we love one called The Wallet)

3. Put something on Vinted 

Have a sort out and take nice photos of the clothes you want to sell. Have a bank of clothes on your phone ready to upload when you have a spare minute. 

4. Sort your photos into albums

Do you have thousands of photos on your phone? Look back at old ones, tagging people’s faces and organising them into albums. Much nicer to look at photos of your friends and family than that influencer on Instagram who needs to stop dishing out unsolicited diet advice. While you’re there, it’s time to delete those 500 screenshots you accidentally took while locking your phone – or is that just me?

5. Find something new to cook

Check chef websites for inspiration on what to make for dinner. I love Anna Jones and Jamie Oliver for recipes that taste great and are easy to follow. 

6. Write in a journal app 

You can get journal apps with prompts or use notes in your phone to write down your thoughts. Lists are also very satisfying on iPhone notes as you can tick things off. Make a plan for the weekend and tick it off as you go.

7. Read the news

Too often, we see fake news and opinions on social media. Try reading unbiased news stories from around the world to stay informed about what’s happening around you. 

8. Think about your wellness

Stock up on your Our Remedy supplements, look into natural remedies for sleep, download a wellness podcast to listen to. 

If you’re sick of scrolling and want to spend your time doing something more productive, you might need to take serious action against social apps.

This could mean:

• Deleting the apps from your phone
• Setting limits on your apps (Avoid pushing “One more minute”)
• Setting limits that someone else controls with a passcode
• Moving the apps to a different folder so your muscle memory and autopilot doesn’t take over

Social media has its place in the world. But, if it’s not making you feel good anymore, then it’s time to make a change. 

Hope this has helped you!

Becky xx