How To Reduce Brain Rot With These 4 Lifestyle Changes
Our parents were right—it’s that damn phone!
Feeling mentally exhausted and unmotivated? You may be experiencing brain rot, especially if you’re always doom-scrolling on TikTok (that ban had us all stressed!).
According to Oxford University Press, brain rot is “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content).”
In other words, your brain goes on autopilot when you constantly consume mindless content. I get it—scrolling on social media is a vibe (and a fun space to have a kiki), but it may ruin our mental health if we allow it. Here are four lifestyle changes that will help refresh your mind and keep you on your toes.
4 Ways To Reduce Brain Rot:
1. Get Off That Phone!
Try limiting your daily interactions with devices by setting a timer for how long you want to be on social media. While there isn’t a specific recommended screen time for adults, some evidence suggests that having your eyes glued to a screen can trigger mental health conditions.
By setting boundaries with your screen time, you will be more self-aware and connected to reality.
2. Fix Yo Sleep Schedule!
FOMO can have us up all night scrolling down our timeline for no reason. To keep your mind sharp, replace unnecessary phone time with some good ‘ole shut-eye. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults should try to get seven or more hours of sleep every night to avoid reduced brain function. Trust me, a good night's rest will get you right every time!
Pro tip: Reading, meditating, and listening to white noise are great ways to wind down before bed.
3. Try Journaling
Organizing your thoughts and feelings on paper can easily take a load off your mind. Psychotherapist Sharon Martin puts it this way: “It’s a ‘holding space’ for worries and stressors, allowing you to put them aside so you can be productive, mindfully present, or sleep…”
Journaling also encourages you to think critically and reflect on your own experiences, reducing the need to be caught up in other people’s lives online.
Pro tip: Use a pen and notebook instead of your notes app.
4. Play Brain Games
Instead of reaching for your phone out of boredom, try playing games that will help you improve your memory and focus. There are so many options, like crossword puzzles, trivia, and even Uno or Spades (Black household staples). These games test your strategy and memory skills. Plus, playing these games with friends and family makes the activities more exciting and memorable.
Taking time away from screens will be hard, but letting life pass you by while being on social media is not the move! Remember, you don’t have to make all these changes at once—you can build your habits over time. Allow yourself to be present; your brain will thank you!