subtle art of not doom scrolling
things to do instead of doom scrolling, media recommendations and life updates
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One of my favourite pastimes as a kid was visiting the video rental store—Blockbuster or Video Ezy—whether with my parents or friends for a movie night. Since my local store was just around the corner, I’d often stroll there in my pyjamas and follow my usual routine: pick out a movie or two, grab some snacks, and then head home. We’d set up the TV, arrange our seats, pop the DVD into the player, and hit play.
Social media has stripped away the simple, mundane rituals that once brought us delayed gratification—like visiting the video store. Now, everything is instant and endlessly accessible, for better or worse.
Log in to Netflix and browse through hundreds of movies, shows, or even games. Can’t find anything? No problem—just jump over to YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Check notifications to see what your friends sent, even if you haven’t spoken in weeks. More likely, you’ll just end up doomscrolling, swiping past hundreds of faces, lost in an endless stream of content.
Reflecting on this experience, I thought I'd share some recent things I’ve been up to instead of doom-scrolling on my phone. In case you missed out, I’ve also written a previous newsletter sharing my recommendations on things to do instead of doom scrolling.
Things I did instead of doom-scrolling
I went for a swim at an outdoor pool last week. I’ve always preferred swimming over running—there’s something meditative about gliding through the water, lost in my own rhythm. In my teens, I used to swim two to three times a week, and I’ve been wanting to get back into that routine. Maybe this will be the start of something consistent again.
If you’re looking to build a more consistent routine of habits, I highly recommend time-blocking your day or keeping a habit tracker. I’ve started including a habit tracker in my journal similar to the one below to track habits (sleep patterns, reading, exercise, etc).
In March, I caught up with a friend for brunch at the cutest little café. Why does coordinating plans as an adult feel like scheduling a corporate meeting? It always takes so much effort, but once we finally sit down and chat over good food, I remember why it’s worth it.
I also decorated the cover of my journal! Lately, I’ve been obsessed with my inkless printer—it makes it so easy to print photos and stickers for journaling. There’s something really satisfying about making a space truly your own, even if it’s just the cover of a journal or your e-reader.
Had a long phone call with a friend who lives halfway across the world. We talked for hours, catching up on everything and nothing at the same time. It’s frustrating how you can meet someone you instantly click with, and yet they have the audacity to live in another country. The struggle of maintaining long-distance friendships is real.
If you’re in the same boat as me, you might find 'Letterloop’ helpful! It’s a fun and easy way to keep up with long-distance loved ones in a private group newsletter. Basically, everyone can ask and answer questions about their lives all over email, and it will be sent as a newsletter to anyone who has joined the private group. This can be a group of friends or family members!
Stopped by a bookstore and stumbled upon the most stunning exclusive edition of The Hunger Games. I resisted buying it, though! Also, has anyone else finished reading Sunrise on the Reaping? After I finished the book in three days, I couldn’t stop talking about it with friends and, of course, had to rewatch the films. If you’re curious, I wrote an entire book review below.
As I walked out of the grocery store, I caught this breathtaking sunset. It made me realise how little time I’ve spent outside lately, just soaking in moments like this. A reminder to step away from screens more often and just exist in the world.
Finally, I spent some time working on upcoming Substack newsletters. I’ve been planning out topics for the next few weeks, but if there’s anything specific you’d love to see me cover, let me know—I always love hearing your thoughts.
I decluttered my wardrobe. I managed to grab around 2 bags of clothes that I’m planning on donating to my local second-hand store.
I rewatched The Hunger Games films in anticipation of the release of Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. Did you catch that in this scene from Catching Fire, the holograms shown were of the other Hunger Games victors who were reaped? That’s why they reacted the way they did—because they realised she had shot them?
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to let me know if I should do a second part!
Feel free to share what activities you’ve done offline this week!
In case you missed out…
Here are a few of my most popular posts from the past few weeks that you:
newsletters
Media to consume instead of doom scrolling
Is ‘bonding’ with ChatGPT actually making people lonelier?
The True Story of the Married Woman Who Smuggled Her Boyfriend Out of Prison in a Dog Crate
Podcasts
Media Recommendations Submitted by This Community
A few weeks ago, I asked you for TV show recommendations on my Instagram broadcast channel, and I was so overwhelmed by the number of responses! In case you missed out, I’m including the full list below.
I’m thinking of making this a monthly series where I can share media recommendations shared by you (I will, of course, contribute as always). What do you think? Help me choose what you’d like me and others in this online space to recommend!
Alias Grace (2017)
“Grace, an Irish immigrant in 19th-century Canada, is convicted of the murder of her employer. However, things take a different turn when a psychiatrist arrives to analyze her mental state.”
Anne with an E (2017 - 2019)
“The adventures of a young orphan girl living in the late 19th century. Follow Anne as she learns to navigate her new life on Prince Edward Island, in this new take on L.M. Montgomery's classic novels.”
Bloodhounds (2023)
“In order to pay off their debt, three daring youths jump into the money-lending business while confronting the rich and powerful who prey on the weak.”
Dali & Cocky Prince (2021)
“It is about the romance between a parvenu who lacks education, and the daughter of a prestigious family who tries to save a collapsed art museum.”
The Empress (2022)
“Two young people meet. A fateful encounter - the proverbial love at first sight. He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, she is Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria and the sister of the woman Franz is to marry.”
Ginny and Georgia (2021)
“Angsty 15-year-old Ginny Miller often feels more mature than her 30-year-old mother, the irresistible and dynamic Georgia Miller.”
Gilmore Girls (2000 - 2007)
“A dramedy centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.”
Lucifer (2016)
“Lucifer Morningstar has decided he's had enough of being the dutiful servant in Hell and decides to spend some time on Earth to better understand humanity. He settles in Los Angeles - the City of Angels.”
Like Water for Chocolate (2024)
“Star-crossed lovers Tita and Pedro's romance is thwarted by her family's traditions, forcing Tita to navigate magic and flavors in the kitchen as she fights for love and embraces her destined path.”
When the Phone Rings (2024)
“Baek Sa Eon, a former presidential spokesman, marries Hong Hui Ju, a mute newspaper heiress, in an arranged union. When Hui Ju is kidnapped, their distant relationship is challenged as they navigate the crisis.”
Schitt Creek (2015 - 2020)
“After being a victim of fraud, Johnny Rose and his family go from extremely wealthy to penniless overnight. The only asset left to them is a small, unsophisticated town: Schitt's Creek. They relocate there. Culture shock ensues.”
Severance (2022)
“Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.”
Shrinking (2023)
“A grieving therapist starts to tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge changes to people's lives - including his own.”
Ted Lasso (2020)
“American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.”
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017)
“Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship.”
Don’t forget, if you’d like to ask me a question, you can submit your questions anonymously below. It can be about anything (career, living abroad, travelling, navigating your twenties, etc).
Here’s my mood this week:
That's it for now, but you'll be hearing from me soon!
Until next time,
Before you go: You can find me on Instagram, Fable, and TikTok to keep up with my updates, oversharing and recommendations in real-time.
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