Let’s get the obvious out of the way: The world is a dumpster fire.
Now, moving on.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been craving space. Simplicity. Positivity. Less input, more output. Less mind trash, more purpose and meaning.
Yes, I want to remain clicked in and understand what’s going on in the world—to a degree. But our brains were not designed to take on the world’s suffering. We can only handle so much.
Rates of tech addiction are at an all-time high, with over 31 percent of Americans saying they are online “almost constantly,” and over 50 percent saying they believe they’re addicted to their phones.
If that’s you, no shame. Tech has stolen our lives—literally years of it to scrolling. But once you recognize the problem, it’s on you to fix it. Not just willing it to be so, but by creating systems and roadblocks for yourself to make it easier to disconnect from tech and news and reconnect to life.
Here are three things I’m doing right now:
- I downloaded the app Dumb Phone, which you can find in your app store. I set a text-only home screen that links me to all of my useful apps, and I turn on Detox Mode to block social. Just today, I almost opened Facebook Marketplace to “just check real quick”—blocked. YES.
- I joined a local fitness class and Portuguese class. I’m now out of the house three days per week, which means I’m having real conversations with real people in the real world. Like, what?
- I’ve instigated more casual conversation. I’m not a surface-chat girlie—I’m the one that’s like, “Hey, nice to meet you! Tell me about the toughest thing you’ve overcome in your life.” But research shows that the more interactions we have on a daily basis, the happier we are. I now ask every checker, server, or anyone helping me, “How’s your day going?” After the startle wears off, they eventually ask me, and we almost always have a nice conversation. Try it. You just might like it.
- I’ve been meditating. I downloaded the Activations app, which I enjoy because it’s designed for movement—getting ready, walking, in the car. I also do seated meditations a few times a week, but having an accessible way to get positive input on the go has been hugely helpful for me.
- I’ve been keeping a gratitude list. Most days per week (because, let’s be real, not all), I write three things I’m grateful for, starting with the phrase, “I’m grateful for . . .” This practice has helped me look on the bright side and be grateful for the abundance in my one wild and precious life.
The thing about reality is that we each have our own. My reality is not yours and vice versa.
More importantly, reality can be shaped and molded. If you’re reading, watching, and listening to news about a potential WWIII, gas prices, and the potential downfall of humanity thanks to AI—well, that’s going to shape your reality and your conversations. You start to be a drain on others rather than a mutual boost-giver.
Instead, if you bring light and love into your life intentionally and regularly, you’ll start to feel yourself lighten. You’ll see the bright spots, the helpers, the potential. Yes, the world is still full of pain and suffering, and as someone who cares deeply about others’ suffering, I don’t suggest ignoring other people’s reality. But protecting your peace means you’ll have more to give to the people you are best suited to serve.
What are you doing to improve your everyday? Leave a comment below. I love learning from you—and I might even add one of your habits to my positivity regimen!
P.S. This is a genuinely human article. No AI was used to write this piece.
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