Scrolling VS Stillness: What are you seeking?
I’ve noticed myself scrolling a lot more than normal lately. I set timers on my social media apps to ensure I don’t spend a lot of time on them (sounds silly, but it can suck you in and you don’t realize how much time has actually passed!) And even when I reach my “time limit”, I still click the apps and ignore that limit occasionally. Generally, I’m very present with my surroundings. I don’t struggle putting my phone down instead of enjoying what's going on around me. But it definitely has happened more often over the last few weeks.
Every time I notice it’s distracting me from the real world, I’ve asked myself, “What is this giving me?”. The normal answer-absolutely NOTHING. If I’m being honest with myself, I don’t NEED any social media for personal reasons. I tell myself,
“I’m spending some down time on Instagram because I need a break for a few minutes.”
“I keep it for the memories and all the pictures it saves.”
“I’m bored, so I might as well watch some reels.”
(Yes, I’m old and only use Instagram. I refuse to get to TikTok because that would be just another app to get addicted to.)
I could go into a lecture about how social media isn’t real, all the things we see and post are just tiny, perfect images of our life, yada yada. And while that can be true, I want to focus more on why we feel so pulled to these things. Why do we say, “I need a mental break” and start scrolling? Living in the year 2024, we need constant stimulation and we don’t even realize it! Taking a break as a parent used to mean, I need silence and peace. Not, I need to watch 15 seconds of 75 different 1-minute videos to feel refreshed. Doesn't it sound crazy when I say it like that?
Ask yourself this: What would fill your cup more during a 10-minute break at work or at home with the kids?
-Taking a few deep breaths in a quiet room where you can hear your thoughts.
OR
-Sitting in front of a tiny screen and watching other people live their lives.
To me, it’s a no brainer and I hope it is to those that are reading this, too. We aren’t refueling or recharging by spending all this time on social media. We are actually doing the complete opposite. At some point, I have to go back to doing my normal routine, like work, taking care of kids and the house. And if I take a 10 minute break to scroll, how am I going to step back into those roles? Will I be more calm or patient? Will I feel ready to tackle more tasks? Will my brain be reset and ready to be more productive with work or household tasks? Obviously not!
Unfortunately, our generation and the younger generations are accustomed to this. It’s our norm. So how do we step away from that? How do we recognize that we need peace and quiet in our lives versus some guy singing 90’s rap hits in his car? While entertaining, he just doesn’t fill my empty cup.
It’s easier said than done though, right? I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve deleted my social media apps, but downloaded it back a day or two later. We are addicted to these things, and that is the first thing we need to admit to ourselves. We can’t change our habits without coming to the realization that there is a problem.
In a world that constantly pulls us into the glow of our screens, it’s easy to forget what truly nourishes our souls. So I challenge you to find what does nourish your soul. What is missing from your life that will recharge you during that 10 minute break? As a Christian Life Coach, I can’t pass this opportunity to share some helpful questions that may guide you in this change.
What does scrolling provide you?
What does social media do for your mental wellbeing?
What would giving up social media time give you the opportunity to do?
What helps you relax during a stressful day?
What is your idea of refilling your cup?
The most fulfilling things in life won’t be found in your phone—they’ll be found in presence, mindfulness, and intention. So what will you seek toay?