As a corporate girlie, I’m basically glued to my laptop or phone almost all the time—during work and even after shifts. So in this particular topic, I have a looot of tips to share on some things that actually helped me lessen screen time and may work with the general public.

Depending on your aesthetic-core, I highly recommend getting notebooks and pens with a design that resonate with you on a spiritual level. Just holding something pretty in your hands makes you want to write, doodle, or sketch—snatching you away from idle scrolling! At least, that’s how it works for me. Even if you don’t feel the same way, cute stationery adds a little sparkle to your desk and makes your surroundings prettier.

So use your notebook to write down your goals, jot random convo you find interesting or even your own rants about anything—be it work or stuff about cats or cows, keep a diary, track ingredients, bills, and grocery lists, write gut-wrenching things you cannot say to your therapists. The key is to make writing by hand a habit; it’s productive, fun, and a perfect excuse to stay off your phone for a bit.

Becoming a bookworm is a surefire way to forget about your phone—in a good way!

I have a collection of books in different genres on my shelf. Some of these books are thrifted, some brand new, and some gifted by friends and family. The variety of it keeps me excited to pick up one today and plan the next for tomorrow. It’s like having a bunch of tiny, safe portals to different dimensions (Peacemaker could never, LOL).

Diving into books lets your imagination roam while keeping your screen time in check; and bonus, it’s way cozier than you know.

The resurgence of junk journaling has been quite a revolution! Along with it comes the stickers and washi tapes, perfect for adding personality to your notes and journals.

If you’re not familiar, junk journaling is all about keeping things like receipts, tags, newspaper sections, or little mementos that spark joy in a notebook. Even if you’re not planning to kickstart your career as junk journalist, having cute stickers and tapes can make any notebook, planner, or workspace more fun and keep your hands busy instead of doom-scrolling.

So stick them cute things on whatever you like! Little creative touches like these are an easy (and adorable) way to reduce screen time. Agree? Agree!! 👍

Not everyone’s into sketching or painting, but you can still unleash your inner Michelangelo with coloring books.

Coloring is a fun, relaxing way to take a break from screens while keeping your hands busy and your mind focused. Whether it’s cute Disney princesses, intricate mandalas, or aquatic-themed drawings, coloring can calm your thoughts, spark creativity, and give you that satisfying “I made something pretty” feeling—all without reaching for your phone.

I know, I know—it can kind of feel a little performative taking pictures with a digital camera these days. Even if you don’t mean it, some people might accuse you of it!

But here’s the thing: we’re done with the people-pleasing, anxious, avoidant, fearful, dismissive era—or whatever attachment style you happen to have.

We’re free now to do things for ourselves, to regulate our emotions in a healthy, fun way!

And the best part of using a digital camera instead of your phone means you’re capturing memories without immediately scrolling or checking social media. So whether you’re going for your 10,000 steps, hunting for books, cafe hopping, enjoying church time, or just spending cozy days with family, friends, and pets at home—you can take pictures with a digital camera to reduce screen time! How wholesome is that?!

Well, these are just a few of my tried-and-true ways to sneak in some analog fun and lessen screen time. I might add more tips here as I discover new little tricks or creative ways to keep my hands and mind busy.

The point is, it doesn’t have to be perfect—just find what sparks joy for you, whether it’s journaling, coloring, snapping photos, or decorating your planner with stickers!!

Enjoyed reading? a coffee is always appreciated.

Thanks for being here!

Love, Ruby. ♥