Lately, I’ve been trying to lower my screen time and be more present. I’ve noticed that the constant stream of information, opinions and current events can quietly build into anxiety. Between TikTok on my lunch break, podcasts while I’m doing housework and Netflix playing in the background while I fall asleep, some days I really don’t take a single moment to look up, breathe and just be.
Spending time away from screens brings out creativity and curiosity. It reminds us of who we are without distraction—and gives us space to grow into that version of ourselves.
But what about those days when life feels like too much… and all you want to do is brain rot?
That urge isn’t laziness—it’s your brain asking for low-effort relief. The trick is finding alternatives that feel just as easy, but actually leave you calmer instead of drained.
The other day on my way home from work, I knew I didn’t have the energy to be productive. I just wanted to eat supper and relax after an especially overwhelming day. Some days I feel motivated, other days I don’t—and I’m learning to listen to what my body needs. That day, it needed rest.
So I started building a list of things to do when I don’t want to think, don’t want to plan—I just want to exist.
1. Read a Cheesy Fiction Book
As much as I love psychology and philosophy, sometimes a light, cheesy romance or a suspenseful thriller is exactly what I need. Being pulled into a completely different world—where the problems aren’t mine—is such a comforting escape.
I usually borrow one book at a time from the library and get fully obsessed for a few weeks. (Usually a suspenseful thriller). Sometimes I’ll even bring it to work and read on my lunch break instead of scrolling, which helps me mentally disconnect from work stress.
2. Paint By Number
I am not artistic in the slightest, so you won’t catch me creating original art—but paint-by-numbers is different. There’s something so satisfying about filling in each section and slowly watching a picture come together with zero creative pressure.
It’s relaxing, repetitive, and completely mindless in the best way.
3. Take a Walk With Music
There’s something about walking to music—especially upbeat throwbacks or EDM remixes—that takes me out of my head instantly. It’s like my thoughts quiet down and I just feel.
Pair that with movement, and it becomes one of the best forms of dopamine: the kind that actually lasts and leaves you feeling better afterward.
4. Shower and Skincare
Take an everything shower. Don’t rush it.
Wash your hair, exfoliate, shave, do a hair mask—whatever your version of a full reset looks like. Put on music, light a candle, and let it feel like a ritual instead of a task. I like to imagine I’m washing off all the stress of the day.
It’s one of the simplest ways to physically and mentally reset after a long day.
5. Take a Bath
I’ll bring my favourite book, or I’ll just sit there. When I lay down in a scorching hot bath, my brain goes absolutely blank for a few minutes. My muscles relax, my stomach unclenches. I can’t explain the feeling but if you know you know.
Sometimes I’ll sit in the bathtub for an hour, refilling it more than once when it cools down. It always makes me very sleepy too, and crawling into bed after feels amazing.
6. Dance
Yes, I dance in the mirror. I pretend I’m a performer, or I’m at a club, or I’m reliving my wedding day. I dance to new music I haven’t been able to dance to. I get sweaty and out of breath.
We should all dance more.
7. Watch a Movie (Without Multitasking)
This might technically still be screen time—but it’s intentional.
Put on a movie and just watch it. No doom-scrolling, no second screen, no distractions. Let yourself get pulled into a story.
If you feel the urge to grab your phone, keep your hands busy with something simple like that paint-by-number or another mindless creative project to keep them busy.
8. Paint Your Nails
This is something I’m really into and I go all out. I have a UV light, gel nail polish, and extensions that I use to give myself an at-home manicure.
It takes time, focus, and a bit of patience, which makes it perfect for shutting everything else out. I’ll usually put on a movie or long podcast and fully settle into it.
Plus, having fresh nails always makes me feel a little more put together.
9. Watch “Productive” Videos
If I really feel like scrolling, I try to make it slightly better.
Instead of endless random content, I’ll watch cleaning videos, cooking content, or healthy routine videos. There are plenty of creators out there dedicated to this kind of stuff. There’s no pressure to actually do anything—I just enjoy watching.
Sometimes it even gives me the motivation to get up and do something small.
10. Write!
Journaling has always been a lifeline for me. When my mind feels crowded, writing everything down helps me release it.
I imagine taking all the thoughts out of my head and placing them onto paper—where they can stay.
Lately, I’ve also been using writing to organize my life: planning meals, making schedules, listing things I want to do, or people I want to see. It’s like decluttering my mind the same way I would a messy space.
In Conclusion…
Not every moment needs to be productive. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is rest.
Our bodies are built to rest. To recharge so we can go out every day and be the best we can be.
My goal is not to eliminate rest, but to give myself real and genuine rest.
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