You’re home after a long day. Finally.
You’ve kicked off your shoes, tossed your bag on the couch, and grabbed your phone—just for a quick scroll to decompress.
But somehow, an hour later, you’re still there—mindlessly flipping through the same feeds.
You’re not any more relaxed, but you’re definitely more tired. Maybe even a little down.
Sound familiar? It’s not just you.
It’s a cycle that so many of us fall into, especially when life feels overwhelming. We crave rest but end up getting the opposite—because scrolling isn’t real rest. It’s not filling you up; it’s draining your energy even more.
Doom-Scrolling: The Real Energy Thief
The problem with scrolling as a “break” is that it’s not giving your brain the reset it needs. Instead, it bombards you with more information, more opinions, more noise. When you’re already burnt out, the last thing you need is a mental pile-up.
Imagine this:
You’re on a treadmill that keeps speeding up. You’re running, but you’re not getting anywhere. That’s what mindless scrolling feels like—constant input without any real output.
The truth is, when we’re overwhelmed, our brains crave simplicity and calm. Yet, doom-scrolling is the exact opposite—more chaos in an already busy mind. Instead of decompressing, we end up feeling more on edge, less focused, and even more disconnected from ourselves.
Why Creative Breaks Work Better Than Mindless Scrolling
What if, instead of consuming, you started creating?
Creativity taps into a different part of your brain—the one that thrives on curiosity and flow. When you’re drawing or coloring, you’re not bombarding your mind with more noise; you’re giving it a gentle focus. It’s like a mini mental vacation, and it leaves you feeling more refreshed rather than depleted.
Imagine swapping that exhausting scroll for a few minutes of doodling or coloring. You don’t need to be an artist—just someone who wants to feel a bit more at ease.
Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, you’ll notice a difference.
Your thoughts slow down, your mood lifts, and suddenly, the evening feels a little lighter.
FAQs: Stop Doom-Scrolling and Start Creating
Q1 – What is doom-scrolling, and why is it harmful?
Doom-scrolling is the habit of continuously scrolling through negative or overwhelming content on social media or news apps. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of mental exhaustion, especially after a long day. Instead of feeling rested, you may feel even more drained and mentally cluttered.
Q2 – How can drawing and colouring help break the doom-scrolling habit?
Engaging in creative activities like drawing and colouring activates different parts of the brain compared to scrolling. Instead of taking in more information, you’re actively creating something, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. These activities help shift your focus from consuming to creating, giving your mind the break it truly needs.
Q3 – Do I need to be artistic to benefit from creative breaks?
Not at all! You don’t need any special skills or artistic talent to experience the calming effects of drawing or colouring. It’s about the process, not the final product. Even simple doodles or colouring patterns can have a positive impact on your mood and mental state.
Q4 – How do I know if I’m doom-scrolling too much?
If you find yourself frequently losing track of time while scrolling, feeling more anxious or tired afterward, or using your phone as an automatic way to unwind, you might be stuck in a doom-scrolling loop. Taking intentional creative breaks can help break the cycle.
Q5 – How can I start incorporating creative breaks into my routine?
Start small! Set aside just five minutes when you would typically reach for your phone. Use that time to doodle, colour, or even make a simple pattern.
I hope that helps!
x Lauren
