Just because I'm a life coach does not mean I have it all together. Today, for instance, I am grumpy. I suspect it's a combination of cabin fever and too much doomscrolling. I have a serious addiction to social media and it's not doing me any good.

Ironically, however, I came across an idea today while scrolling through some Reels, of a fun thing that could help me break my addiction. It's called an analogue box (although it could be a bag or a basket, depending on what you have).

It's a simple idea: compile a container of things you could be doing instead of scrolling – books to read, crafts you enjoy doing, small items you've been meaning to fix, a colouring book and colouring pencils, playing cards... whatever appeals to you. And then, instead of reaching for your phone, you reach for that box, and pull something out to keep your hands occupied.

I love this for several reasons.

First, it's simple and doesn't cost anything. I'm willing to bet there are all kinds of unfinished books, projects, etc. lying around your house that could go in your box.

Second, it's a good habit-breaking practice – when you're trying to break a bad habit, it's very helpful to have something more positive to do instead, something to fill the space that the bad habit occupied. 

Third, there's the mindfulness that many of these kinds of analogue activities bring, just by their very nature.

And finally, the part that appeals to me the most, potentially – finishing all those little things that I see and think, "I must do that..." The space in my brain would be so wonderful.

So, if spending less time online is something you think might benefit you, maybe consider making yourself an analogue box? And let me know what you'd put in yours – I'd love some ideas.

Till next month,

Mandy