📵 5 Ways to Stop Scrolling

Hey there! Welcome back to The Flow by Flocus. If you’re new around here, welcome! 👋 You can catch up on our previous editions right here.

This week: To celebrate Screen-Free Week this upcoming week, we’re sharing 5 things to do instead of scroll social media — plus how to use your devices more productively. Let’s get into it!

🔌 This Is Your Sign to Unplug

Most of our lives revolve around devices and screens — you're even reading this email on one.

Compulsively checking our phones and social media feeds is something many people struggle with (ourselves included).

Mindless scrolling can be a great escape, distracting you from tedious or tough tasks. But it can also put a damper on your mood and motivation.

Spending less time on screens will free up more time for real-world pursuits, like studying, hobbies, and hanging out with friends.

Of course, you probably already know that — but that doesn’t make it any easier to put your devices down. (Especially when they’re designed to be addictive!)

If you’re serious about reducing your device usage, there’s no better time than Screen-Free Week, which kicks off tomorrow on May 6.

Keen to spend more time on your personal growth and less time scrolling? Well, don't stop just yet — keep scrolling just a bit more for tips to minimize mindless phone usage!

🧘‍♀️ 5 Ways to Spend Less Time Scrolling

Reducing your screen time isn't easy, but with a little mindfulness and effort, you can make a noticeable change to your phone habits this week.

Here are some ways to spend your time instead of mindlessly scrolling:

🚫 Download app blockers

App blockers — like Freedom and one sec — automatically block apps and websites across all your devices.

Some apps even have pop-ups and breathing exercises built in to keep you on track with your device usage goals.

Tempted to bypass your blocker? Many apps have locked modes to prevent you from caving to your screen addiction.

👯‍♀️ Do something with family or friends

The Screen-Free Week website recommends hosting an event, like a cookout or dinner party. Not only will it keep you away from the screens, but it’ll also give you something to look forward to.

Your event doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. It can be as simple as a group coffee date or a pizza night with your bestie.

Be sure to encourage everyone to put their devices away so you can enjoy some off-screen quality time together. You can even stack your phones in a pile on the table, or in another room, and challenge everyone to not touch them!

♟️ Identify "productive" apps

If you’re really having trouble with scrolling less, change how you use your devices.

Here are a few ways to use your devices in a productive way:

• Master a new language with Duolingo (a personal fave!)

• Catch up on your favorite book series on Kindle

• Learn how to code with Mimo

• Play mentally stimulating games like sudoku, solitaire, and online chess

• Watch nature shows or documentaries

Peep this week’s Flocus Picks below for more “productive” apps!

📚 Join a club or group

Try joining a club that hosts in-person meetups, like a book club or a hiking group.

You're more likely to resort to aimless scrolling when you're idle. Joining a club is a great way to keep yourself busy, learn new skills, and meet new people.

You’ll also be expected to participate and follow the group’s code of conduct, which will help you stay accountable.

🍃 Literally touch grass

What seems like a snarky online comment is actually great advice for stepping away from the screen. Not to mention it works wonders for your physical and mental health!

Plan a hiking trip or a park walk to reconnect with nature, gain perspective on your device usage, and soak up the beauty of the great outdoors.

🪅 Flocus Picks

A curated list of things worth sharing.

• Freedom (App/Extension) — A team favorite for automatically blocking distracting apps.

• 7 Alternatives to Scrolling Social Media (Article) — More ideas for using your phone productively, plus app recommendations!

• Screen-Free Week (Website) — For more ideas and inspo, check out the official Screen-Free Week website!

🖥️ Flocus: All-in-One Dashboard

For the times you need to be on screen, make it productive or relaxing! Use Flocus in the background to power your focus or recharge sessions this week.

We’ve got a couple fresh new themes, including a Ghibli-inspired forest! Try it out on your computer or tablet.

Open in Browser

Happy Screen-Free Week! We hope you’ll take some time to reflect on your device usage habits and enjoy some off-screen activities. (We’ll be doing the same!)

Until next Sunday,

Flocus Team