We've all done it: you go into bed and tell yourself to check your phone one more time before falling asleep.
However, you can see that the coronavirus has mutated into a new strain. In Ukraine, a war has erupted. The economy is collapsing. People are being laid off. Even yet, you spend hours scrolling through endless doom-and-gloom news while you slide deeper into a pit of misery.
This type of self-destructive behavior is so widespread these days that it has gained its own term: "doomscrolling." But you deserve happiness, therefore we're dismantling automation and intervening right now. Here's how to get out of the rut:
Clear your space.
Digital hoarding has been linked to elevated levels of worry and stress. And don't assume you can do it in the name of multitasking; you'll be less successful and productive as a result.
Some apps that you haven't used in a week should be removed or moved to a folder so they don't take up space on your screen. Alternatively, try living the "one app at a time" lifestyle. Both of these methods can assist to eliminate the mindless toggling that so many of us are prone to.
Get rid of any stuff that bothers you.
Don't feed your aggravation. You can get rid of stressful stuff if you already know what it is. Alternatively, curate content so that the crazy stuff is sandwiched between the great stuff.
Following good content, according to Dr. Amy Franzini of Widener University, is extremely beneficial: "We don't need to immerse ourselves in it 24/7. Follow positive social media sites such as Some Good News and Positively Positive to balance [your feed]."
To curate your unending scroll, first, disable all targeted ads on all of your social media accounts. Turn off push notifications from news sources, so you can read the news at your own leisure. And if there are folks who are overly negative online, block or mute them.
If you're having trouble curating material in your current social media accounts, start a new one. This should make things a little easier. Make it a point to follow sources of uplifting content on a regular basis. Something that motivates you rather than makes you feel guilty.
When you're finished, log out.
Make it a habit to stop scrolling when you've accomplished your goals. Binging on the internet is a form of problematic internet use that can negatively impact your mental health.
We're not suggesting you can't enjoy the pleasures of the internet indefinitely; you can do so on occasion. These suggestions are only a reminder that your time online should be budgeted rather than squandered. Self-control is essential.
