Why you should stop scrolling and start living

Have you ever found yourself scrolling for hours on social media, news feeds, or online videos without realizing how much time has passed? If so, you are not alone. Many of us are guilty of this habit, especially during epidemics, when we rely on digital devices for entertainment, information, and connections. But scrolling may seem harmless, but it can actually negatively impact our mental health and well-being.

What is related to scrolling and why is it so difficult to stop?

Scrolling occurs when you swipe or tap on your screen to see more content without clicking on anything or reaching the end of the page. It is designed to keep you connected to the platform, giving you a continuous stream of new and relevant content.

According to Anna Lambke, professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, scrolling reveals our natural need for a human relationship. She says, “Human relations are important for survival. We have been programmed to develop millions of years to connect with other people.” “Part of the way our brain inspires us to do this is to release our love hormone oxytocin, Which in turn releases dopamine in the reward route, making the relationship feel good.”

Lambke explains that social media has made it easier for us to connect online with other humans, but it also includes three key elements: innovation, access, and volume, scrolling has become a very addictive one.

How does scrolling affect our mental health?

Continuous scrolling is also harmful to our mental health. Addiction can make us obsessive, anxious, and depressed. The constant flood of stories and images makes us feel as if we have endless options, making us restless and fearing to leave FOMO (.

Also, scrolling can give us negative and disturbing content, such as violence, hate speech, misinformation, or depressing news. This can make us feel angry, sad, scared, or disappointed. It can make us feel bad about ourselves and our lives, make us compare ourselves to others, or feel inadequate.

Needless to say, scrolling can mess up the quality and quantity of our sleep, keeping us awake at night or spoiling our body clocks. It can also harm our physical health by causing eye strain, neck pain, or posture problems. And it can take time and attention away from other important aspects of our lives, such as work, hobbies, or relationships.

How can we break free from scrolling and start living?

The good news is that we can do something about our scrolling habits and improve our mental health. Here are some tips:

– Set your screen time limit. Use apps or tools that track your usage and remind you to take a break. You can also set specific times to check social media or news feeds and follow them.

– Stop notifications. Disable push notifications or alerts that prompt you to check your phone or device. You can also mute or unfollow accounts that send you too many messages or posts.

– Curate your content. Choose what you want to see and avoid what you don’t want to see. You can unfollow or block sources that are negative, toxic, or irrelevant. You can also follow sources that are positive, uplifting, or educational.

– Look for alternative sources of connection and stimulation. Find other ways to meet your need for human interaction and innovation. You can call friends or family members in person or meet them ( if possible ), A club or community group may join online or offline, or learn a new skill or hobby.

– Practice unconsciousness and self-care. Be alert to your feelings and thoughts while scrolling. If you feel overwhelmed or sad, stop and do something else that makes you feel better. You can also practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.

Scrolling may seem like a harmless pastime, but it can have serious consequences on our mental health and well-being. By being conscious of our scrolling behavior and taking steps to limit it, we can regain our time and attention And can improve our mood and quality of life.