Time For Less Scrolling, More Living
Let’s be real—social media can feel like a never-ending vortex of cat videos, algorithm-fueled ads, and a mild mental health crisis every time you see someone’s “perfect” life.
If you’ve ever caught yourself mindlessly scrolling and thought, there has to be a better way, you’re right. There is.
This is something I hear from a lot of people at my Honest Biz Brunch networking events. Looking for ways to occupy your time instead of opting for social media use is a great place to start.
And I thought this post could be a helpful way to give you plenty of inspo and activities to try.
Pinterest Over Social Media Pressure
Lately, I’ve been spending much less time on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and the difference has been huge.
It feels wayyy easier to opt out of comparisonitis, reduce the pace of my day and a whole lot less pressure to ‘keep up’ when I’m not constantly picking up my phone every 5 minutes to habitually scroll.
My mood has improved, my focus is sharper, and one of the best things is that I actually feel present in my own life—especially when it comes to parenting.
Instead of getting sucked into endless scrolling, I’ve been putting my energy into different areas, like growing my blog through intentional post creation as well as in person events and connections.
And I have to say, I’ve fallen back in love with Pinterest—a social network that doesn’t drain my soul!
So, if you’re feeling me – read on for some fun, feel-good things to do instead of getting lost in a scroll-hole every day.
Ideas for hopping off the social media merry go round
SKIP TO A SECTION:
Connect IRL (Because People Are Cool in Real Life Too)
11. Go to a small biz networking event – A perfect way to meet like-minded people without an algorithm deciding who you see (if you’re in Perth, come along to an Honest Biz Brunch!)
12. Host a ‘no-phones’ brunch – A DIY “Honest Biz Brunch” moment with friends—pure, uninterrupted connection.
13. Join a local class – Pottery, yoga, sip-and-paint? You’ll never regret learning something new.
14. Volunteer for a cause you care about – Nothing beats that feel-good buzz of giving back.
Join the school P&C, volunteer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter or take a stroll with beach cleanup work.
There are so many causes looking for a helping hand! There’s a good chance you’ll find one that could do with your unique skills.
15. Play a board game – If you have kids, they’ll love this too. Board games are a great activity to boost family interaction (hopefully without a Monopoly meltdown).
Mine love a game of Uno-Attack and Scattergories is also on high rotation. My hubby and I also love to nerd out with some of our friends and have games nights – highly recommend!
16. Start a jigsaw puzzle – It doesn’t surprise me that jigsaw puzzle clubs are a ‘thing’. Every time I indulge in a spot of puzzling, I’m reminded of what an engaging mindful activity it is.
My hot tip is to invest in a puzzle mat/accessories so that you can pack your puzzle away between sessions if you don’t want it to take over the dining room table.
17. Watch a movie with a friend – In a move reminiscent of the early naughties – book in a date day/night with your bestie and grab dinner then a movie.
It’s always a good time and a movie plot is an easy and interesting talking point.
18. Join your local library – Not only can you pick up a good read (for free!), libraries are a fantastic resource and meeting place for all sorts of craft and recreation clubs too.
FREE 5 Page Guide
21 Creative Ways To Grow Your Business
(Without Relying On Social Media)
Step Outside (Nature > Newsfeeds)
19. Take a slow morning walk – Imagine a walk with no podcasts, no notifications—just fresh air and your own thoughts.
Does it make you as uncomfortable as it once made me? Now the thought of raw-dogging a walk without my headphones actually brings about a sense of calm and dare I say it, excitement? It’s that good.
20. Try forest bathing – Sounds fancy, but really, it’s just soaking in nature without distractions. If you’re all-the-way into your social media addiction, you may want to start with a small step of 5 minutes at a time.
Before you know it you’ll look forward to unplugging in anticipation of your forest bath!
21. Do some cloud-spotting – When was the last time you just lay on the grass and stared at the sky?
This is one of those outdoor activities that is totally doable on your lunch break, is free and just requires well, clouds…
22. Go op-shopping for a unique find – Thrifting is the original treasure hunt, no algorithm needed.
I’m a huge fan of op-shopping for finding unique clothes, bric-a-brac and items to upcycle.
23. Enjoy a short walk – Literally, around the block and back – it doesn’t have to be far!
Moving your body and the left/right brain activation is a brilliant way to take a break from screen time and get into nature.
24. Get into the garden – I love the saying ‘to plant a tree is to believe in tomorrow’. And whether your garden looks like a few indoor plants or a lush (maybe overgrown) jungle, gardening works wonders for idle hands.
Burying our hands in soil and shrubs quite literally helps to ground us and allows us to focus on the task at hand.
Recharge Your Mind & Body
25. Pull a tarot card for daily guidance – A mystical alternative to checking your horoscope via memes (although, this is prob the one thing I loved about socials).
26. Try a 5-minute breathwork session – Instant nervous system reset.
Deep breathing exercises are well-known for their vagal nerve stimulation and as a powerful tool for nervous system regulation.
27. Make a DIY face mask – A skin detox is the perfect compliment to your digital-detox.
Making your face mask yourself is a more mindful activity, that takes a little longer than a pre-bought option. But a sheet mask or similar will also do the trick!
28. Listen to a new song – Now that I no longer listen to commercial radio (and spend way less time on social media platforms) I find that I don’t discover new music as easily as before.
Being intentional about opening my Spotify and listening to a song I haven’t heard before is a great way to discover a new favourite song.
29. Declutter a small space – If the thought of a full-scale declutter makes overwhelm set in, start with a small space.
Hell, start with your desktop and enjoy the feel-good-vibes and accomplishment!
30. Organise your digital files – This is one of those productive things that you can lead to a greater sense of control, calm and clarity when complete.
And if you’re like me – you have a bazillion photos that you’ve meaning to organise forever. The time is now!
31. Cull your camera roll – I know this doesn’t really mean you’re putting your phone down, but as a stepping stone away from a full-blown digital detox, make use of the time and cull all those double-ups and random photos or screenshots from your camera roll.
There are also apps that will help you make this a seamless process too.
32. Take 10 with crossword puzzles – You can get a fab crossword book to chip away at in 10 minute blocks.
33. Learn a new language – There are plenty of online courses – free and paid that are perfect for learning a new language.
34. Take a yoga class – Yoga in principle is allll about the mind:body connection. Not only is physical activity one of the best ways to connect with the present moment, the connection to breath through yoga poses will encourage nervous system regulation and a sense of calm that can last all day!
If you can’t make it to a studio near you – try an app like Kic for an online alternative.
35. Try a team sport – If you haven’t played team sport since school, I urge you to give it a try again.
Not only is it wonderful for boosting your fitness, it’s a social activity that broadens your community and brings with it an important sense of belonging.
36. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure – Take some time to pamper yourself with a soothing hand or foot massage and a slick of fresh polish.
I feel like there’s something about having neat, fresh nails that always makes me feel like I’ve got my sh*t together.
Live with Intention Instead of on Autopilot
37. Read a book that’s been on your list forever – Even just a few pages (join me in my Romantasy Fiction rabbit hole if you like)
38. Write down five things you’re grateful for – Shift your mindset in minutes.
39. Plan your dream day (and actually do it) – No need to wait for ‘someday.’ Instead of cluttering your day off with an endless to-do list – why not spend some quality time with yourself instead?
Make a list of things you want to try, and make it happen!
40. Try a 24-hour phone detox – It can be confronting to see what your phone usage is each day.
Imagine having an extra 4-5 hours in your day? What could you achieve? Oh the possibilities! See what magic happens when you fully unplug.
41. Make a meal plan – This is especially helpful if you’re wanting to make more healthy meals, or you want to do and online grocery shopping order.
Planning out your meals for a week, fortnight or even month (if you’re keen!) is a good way to look after your physical health, save money and feel like you have some semblance of control of your life!
42. Write your own life manifesto – A manifesto is a declaration of beliefs, values, and intentions—essentially a statement of how you choose to live and what you stand for.
A life manifesto is a personal guide that reflects your core values, priorities, and vision for how you want to experience life. It can serve as a reminder to stay true to yourself, make intentional choices, and focus on what truly matters to you.
43. Set up a charging station outside of your bedroom – I highly recommend charging your phone in a separate room to where you sleep.
It helped me stop doom-scrolling past my bedtime but also helped me get out of the habit of checking my phone first-thing.
Setting up a charging station is setting yourself up for a healthy bedtime routine in advance.
44. Complete your kids’ baby books/albums/scrapbooks (finally) – This one is aimed at parents but if you’re anything like me you stuck a couple of ultrasound photos and a newborn pic in the baby book and called it a day.
It’s so nice to take a trip down memory lane and make time to complete your kids baby book or photo album before your memories turn to mush.
The Challenge: Just Try One
You don’t have to ditch social media completely (unless you want to), but the next time your thumb automatically reaches for your phone, pause.
Pick something from this list instead. See how it feels. You might just love the freedom of being fully present in your own life.
And if you need a fun offline activity to start with, I’ve got you—download a free printable colouring page and let the mindful times roll!
Want more suggestions for ways to ditch socials?
Send me an email: hello@jessieparker.co
Or drop me a comment below.
Jessie Parker
Creative/Blogger
