101 Things You Can Do That Will Make You Happier Than Facebook

I’m doing it again.

A quick glance at the clock confirms my suspicion.

“5 minutes on Facebook” has morphed into half an hour of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.

Why do I keep doing this?

When It’s Time to Log Off Facebook

Consciously, I have several primary purposes for using social media:

1. information
2. connection
3. relaxation

In limited doses, Facebook does all of three for me.

But when I continue to scroll after I’ve achieved my goal? It means that I’ve shifted to subconscious motives, such as

• trying to self-soothe
• meeting my attachment needs
• finding rest

Valid needs, every single one. But Facebook is the wrong venue for meeting any of them.

Sign In to Real Life

If you, too, have asked Why do I keep doing this? long after you should have logged off, we’ve brainstormed a nice long list of IRL, f-2-f options to choose from instead of endlessly scrolling through Facebook.

Which ones are the best fit for you?

Music

• listen to a praise and worship song
• dance party in the kitchen
• sing a favorite song
• learn a new song
• play an instrument

Quiet

• meditate on God’s Word
• praise God for what He’s done
• pray
• memorize a new Bible verse
• recite favorite scriptures

Nature

• go outside and sit in a chair to take in the fresh air
• seek sunshine
• take a photo of nature
• pick some flowers
• tend the garden

Movement

• take a brisk walk (YouTube “5 minute walk” if you can’t go outside!)
• dance to a favorite song (try the Trolls soundtrack)
• stretch gently
• sit and bounce on an exercise ball
• do aerobics to 80s music (“Don’t forget to breathe!”)

Drink

• hot cup of tea and a swivel rocker in front of a picture window
• coffee
• make a cup of hot tea
• refill water bottle (and drink it!)
• make fresh-squeezed fruit juice

Reading/Listening

• read/listen to a chapter in a book I’m reading
• listen to a podcast
• read a short devotional
• write a favorite quote and put it on my mirror
• read a post by a favorite blogger

Writing

• Add to my gratitude journal
• Write a poem
• Describe a favorite childhood memory
• Explore my perspective on a complex issue
• Create a “found poem”

In the Kitchen

• ice cream … always ice cream
• chocolate (preferably beginning with “G”: Godiva, Ghirardelli, Ginger Elizabeth…)
• blend up a fruit smoothie
• bake something yummy from a mix / from scratch and enjoy eating it
• bake something yummy and enjoy giving it away

Scent

• rub a few drops of essential oil into my hands and take a few deep breaths in
• light a naturally-scented candle
• dab a favorite perfume behind each ear and on pulse points
• seek out evocative smells: freshly-sharpened pencils, a new (or old) book,  bread hot out of the oven…
• open a window to let in fresh air

Peeps (not present)

• text core people and ask for prayer
• Write someone a thank-you card
• send someone an encouraging email
• text a friend or family member to let them know you’re thinking and praying about them
• ask to see photos of babies — seeing long-distance family/friends brings joy

Peeps (present)

• text core people and ask for prayer
• have lunch with a friend
• give or get a hug!
• talk to someone who is there, f-2-f-, live and in person
• play with and/or pet my dog/cat (yes: pets are “peeps”!)

Fun 

• read Peanuts comics
• tell a favorite joke
• watch a comedy clip
• view cat (or other pet) videos
• play Twister (or any other game meant to evoke hilarity)

Self-Care

• lipstick
• take a shower
• wash my feet (there’s something about super clean feet…)
• give myself a facial
• sent a timer for 5 minutes: now lie down and close my eyes (music permissable but optional)

Creative

• draw or doodle or cross-stitch or crochet or knit or sew
• add one new item of beauty to my home: i.e. a framed photo or word art print or colorful pillow
• color in a grown-up coloring book
• re-arrange a room in the house
• research a local painting class and sign up

Accomplishment

• re-organize a small space
• dust a shelf / wipe down a counter / vacuum a room / unload or load the dishwasher
• de-clutter 5 things from any room in the house
• set a timer for 10 minutes and start a project I’ve been putting off
• make a “Ta-Da!” list of everything I’ve gotten done in the last week/month

Remembering

• review past gratitude journal entries
• look through a photo album
• watch an old home video
• review my Personal Manifesto and ask myself How has God been leading in the last few weeks/months/years?

Dreaming

• imagine I’m at the beach / look at beach properties for sale
• review my Personal Manifesto, asking What can keep, cut, and/or clarify?
• make a bucket list
• share my bucket list with safe people who will cheer me on
• start a To Don’t list — things I won’t do so I have time for what I want

Planning

• make menus for the next week or two
• start my Christmas gift list
• look at this month and next month: What special occasions are coming up?
• create a wardrobe Need list and Want list
• call to schedule appointments (medical, dental, pet, car, etc.)

Spontaneous

• call old friends (on the phone!) until I find someone who has time to chat and catch up
• hop in the car and explore a part of town I’ve always wanted to check out
• invite anyone who can come to join me for a movie tonight
• attend a local happening: a farmer’s market, a book signing, a workshop, etc.
• have a picnic meal on the family room floor (complete with checkered blanket!)

Service

• assist a local charity
• make a Goodwill run
• check out my church bulletin (or call) to learn about current volunteer needs that match my areas of expertise/interest
• notice a neighbor’s need and meet it
• pray-cess what a family member or close friend needs most from me right now

101

• what would you add to the list?

 

Make This List Work for You

Grab a Post-It Note.

On it, jot down the Top 5 ideas that appeal to you and then stick the Post-It on or near your computer.

Now, the next time you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling thru Facebook and think to yourself

I’m doing it again!

you can glance at your Post It Note and encourage yourself:

And I know exactly what I’m going to start doing, right now, instead.