How do You Decompress Without Food, TV or Social Media?

breefoshee
breefoshee Posts: 398 Member
in Motivation and Support
I've noticed a pattern of using food to decompress. As I've tried to break this habit, I notice that I am spending more time in front of the television and scrolling social media to get my brain quiet-- but that's not really how I want to live my life.

How do you decompress without food, TV or Social Media? Mentally I am struggling.
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Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,416 Member
    Definitely exercise and positive projects always on the burner. So many things to try!

    How about volunteering?
  • nighthawk584
    nighthawk584 Posts: 2,023 Member
    I play guitar and consistent exercise helps me relax.
  • breefoshee
    breefoshee Posts: 398 Member
    Thanks! I really like these Ideas. I do play the guitar, but it's been a while since I've played. And I've been wanting to read more!
  • sweetbe44
    sweetbe44 Posts: 195 Member
    Yoga and playing with my dog 🐕
  • FitGuyWillDoIt
    FitGuyWillDoIt Posts: 111 Member
    Yoga and working out. Try restorative yoga.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,437 Member
    Spontaneous walks.nonstop cleaning even when not needed. :* Needlepoint and crochet. Get a dog. They always want attention.
  • debrakgoogins
    debrakgoogins Posts: 2,033 Member
    Yoga, running, a nature walk, gym, a good book, or a hot bath. Or...any and all of the above.
  • moonangel12
    moonangel12 Posts: 971 Member
    I am a quilter - that is my happy place/quiet time :smile: Reading is good, puzzles are another favorite. Walking/running/biking...
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    I lift heavy things.
  • Lobsterboxtops
    Lobsterboxtops Posts: 92 Member
    Knitting is my meditation. I also read or listen to audiobooks. And those stupid match 3 games let me turn my brain off.
  • 88olds
    88olds Posts: 4,532 Member
    Sit quietly doing nothing. It helps if you have a place where there is no TV, no computer within sight so as to not be tempted.
  • xGreatWhiteNorthx
    xGreatWhiteNorthx Posts: 335 Member
    edited January 2020
    Smoke a joint and spend time outside .


    Reading.
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,324 Member
    My suggestions would be to look to nature. watching birds, listening to the rain fall, and getting up early and watching the day turn from dark, to dusk, to light is so relaxing and profound. Also, a clear crisp night.. wrap up..go outisde and look at how bright the stars are. It is inspirational...peaceful..and it centers a person.

    and Nature is Free.
  • SolanineNightshade
    SolanineNightshade Posts: 38 Member
    Read, learn a new hobby, take an online course
  • thenewkayla
    thenewkayla Posts: 313 Member
    A hot bath and music will kill at least 30 mins -1 hr for me. Following for more ideas
  • rebbylicious
    rebbylicious Posts: 621 Member
    Making pottery- going to the hot tub with a large bottle of water, meditation, writing in my journal with some coffee, and when I’m pissed off I will lift some heavy weights. 😂
    But truth be told, sometimes I just want some trashy reality tv and a glass of dry wine.
  • H_Ock12
    H_Ock12 Posts: 1,152 Member
    I run....long distances...without headphones, just me & my thoughts.
  • Katmary71
    Katmary71 Posts: 7,078 Member
    It sounds stressful because it's multiple things at once but I ride my recumbent bike listening to rock and reading novels. When I'm done I do strength exercises then wind down with stretching. I'll read right before bed. I just started putting on fun music from my teens and dancing while doing chores. Cooking is also relaxing to me.
  • missysippy930
    missysippy930 Posts: 2,577 Member
    Read. It’s been my favorite pastime since I learned to read. So many books, so little time.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    mostly i do decompress with netflix or hulu but when i don't....
    painting with alcohol ink
    crocheting
    hiking
    running
    reading.
  • lauragreenbaum
    lauragreenbaum Posts: 1,017 Member
    Pilates
  • perkymommy
    perkymommy Posts: 1,642 Member
    breefoshee wrote: »
    I've noticed a pattern of using food to decompress. As I've tried to break this habit, I notice that I am spending more time in front of the television and scrolling social media to get my brain quiet-- but that's not really how I want to live my life.

    How do you decompress without food, TV or Social Media? Mentally I am struggling.

    reading a book, doing housework like washing dishes, sweeping, dusting, walk outside and sit for a while
  • motivatedmartha
    motivatedmartha Posts: 1,108 Member
    Swimming lengths at the local pool - find a time when it's at its quietest and slog up and down - can really turn the brain off and just focus on the water, each stroke and counting how many lengths you've swum. Really good for mindfulness.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    Running, hiking, walking, yoga, reading, meditation (usually with the cat on my lap), games of all sorts: video games with my husband, board games, tabletop RPGs (I’m the DM for my former quidditch team’s D&D campaign).
  • white0rabbit0
    white0rabbit0 Posts: 21 Member
    I listen to sience or gardening podcast or audio books while I draw. Also puzzles!
  • laketrash50
    laketrash50 Posts: 6 Member
    Read, listen to music, treat myself to a professional massage!
  • chrisvideoedit
    chrisvideoedit Posts: 20 Member
    Hey great post! To decompress I like watching YouTube videos about tech. I am a Mac Apple fan and I like learning about all the latest technologies. What are your interests? I think it is about as simple as that. Find something that is meaningful to you whether it is reading, long walks or drawing a picture. We all have something we love doing. Hope this helps.

    Chris 🙂
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    For me personally, playing video games (both active and sedentary) is a great way to decompress. I also enjoy working on my hobbies (currently that's figure sculpting), talking to friends, and listening to audiobooks. I watch Netflix when a particular show interests me (currently it's The Witcher).

    There is no shame in using entertainment for its intended purpose - relaxation and enjoyment. If watching TV and scrolling social media is enjoyable, then what's wrong with that? Why do you feel it's a lesser way to pass your time? If it's enjoyable, then it's just as good as any other activity because it's serving its purpose. If it's just an idle pastime you do because you don't know what else to do, then yes, it's worth looking for something else.
  • AmethystEFC
    AmethystEFC Posts: 140 Member
    Music and books.

    It's different for everyone; it's finding your happy place, I guess. Hope you find yours :)

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