We’ve all been there. You hop on your phone to check a quick update. Maybe you want to see whose kid had their last middle school band concert or who’s walking across a graduation stage. Then suddenly you’re deep in the scroll. Not learning, not laughing, not connecting. Just… zoning. That mindless social media spiral we’ve come to know as doom scrolling.
Research has shown (again and again) that excessive social media use – especially this kind of aimless scrolling – can negatively impact our mental health, increasing feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. And yet, it’s such an easy habit to fall back into, especially during transitions (like the hectic school-to-summer shift many of us are feeling right now).
Earlier this year, I decided to make a change. For about three months, I shifted away from the apps and into the music. I started my mornings with playlists full of affirmations or energizing tunes while I worked out. I went to bed with music, not TikTok. I low-key gave up TikTok for Lent – not something I usually observe, but it felt like a fun and meaningful reset. (I also gave up Target… which turned out to be a surprisingly good mental and financial break too. LOL)
And honestly? I felt incredible. I was clear-headed, more energized, and deeply connected to the music I love – and the memories and moods it brought with it. But then Lent ended… and guess who slowly wandered back to the scroll?
It happens. And lately I’ve noticed the difference. I’m more tired. Less focused. Workouts have slowed. I feel the shift. So I’m reminding myself – and maybe you need this reminder too – that it’s not about shame. It’s about noticing what’s feeding you… and what’s draining you.
So here’s my challenge: swap the scroll for a song.
The next time you feel yourself slipping into that familiar scrolling pattern, open your music app instead. Start with a comfort album – maybe something from your high school/college days. Let it take you back. Then let the algorithm (or… musical spirit guides, if you will) carry you from there. Skip what doesn’t hit. Stay curious. Notice how it feels.
Music can be a powerful reset button. One that’s always available, always evolving with you.
So, this summer let’s use music to check in with ourselves – and to check in with each other – a little more often. I can’t wait to share music with you again soon!
