Reading vs. Scrolling: A Gentle Reframe for a Quieter Mind

Lately, I’ve been taking a conscious break from the news—not because I don’t care, but because I care deeply about my peace, my focus, and my overall well-being.

I noticed that after scrolling a few headlines in the morning, especially the news, I felt heavier. More tense. Less like myself. Then I’d catch myself scrolling again in the afternoon, feeling irritated and unsettled.

So I made a small shift.

I started using that time—usually spent scrolling new and social media—to read more.

That simple change is what inspired me to choose reading more as one of my intentions for 2026.

So why did I decide to limit my time on social media?

Here’s what I’ve learned.

The Quiet Difference Between Reading and Scrolling

Scrolling is fast, reactive, and endless. It keeps our brains on high alert, jumping from one emotion to the next. Even when we think we’re relaxing, our nervous system often thinks otherwise.

I might see an influencer with a fabulous salad she miraculously just whipped up, and suddenly my mind tells me why my salads don’t look like that. Next thing I know, I’m shopping from an ad that popped up. Yes, there are sweet moments—friends’ adorable photos that feel good—but there are also many posts that quietly keep us on edge.

Reading, on the other hand, asks us to slow down. It invites us into a single story or idea. Our breath deepens. Our shoulders drop. The mind has room to settle.

One stimulates. The other soothes.

Reframing the Thoughts That Run Through Our Minds

As women—especially after our fifties—we’ve spent years taking in information: advice, expectations, opinions, often without questioning how it truly affects us.

Here are a few common thoughts we can gently reframe:

“I’ll just scroll for a few minutes to relax.” Reframe: What would actually help me feel rested right now?

“I need to stay informed.” (One I’ve used many times.) Reframe: I can stay informed without being constantly immersed.

“Reading feels indulgent.” Reframe: Reading is nourishment for my mind and spirit.

“I don’t have time to read.” Reframe: I’m allowed to make time for what steadies me.

These small mental shifts matter. Our brains are always listening.

I used to scroll while waiting between appts and or my morning coffee-now its reading a good book.

Reading Gives Us Something Scrolling Never Can

Reading strengthens focus, imagination, and comprehension. It allows us to form our own thoughts instead of constantly absorbing someone else’s urgency or fear.

Scrolling pulls us outward. Reading brings us home.

And when we’re in a season of rediscovery—learning who we are now and what we want now—that inward connection is everything.

A Simple Invitation

This isn’t about giving up scrolling forever. It’s about noticing.

Notice how you feel after ten minutes of scrolling. Notice how you feel after ten minutes of reading.

Your body will tell you the truth.

In a world that profits from our attention, choosing a book can be a quiet act of self-respect—a reminder that peace doesn’t come from more information; it comes from intentional moments of calm.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is turn down the noise and open a book.

And let ourselves breathe.

I am not giving up on social media or news, I am just limiting my time spent on them.  

My sister-in-law recently gave me a book, and I must admit—it was perfect timing. I usually read non-fiction health and mindset books, but I wanted to explore a different genre. This novel was exactly what I needed: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I can hardly put it down.

I’m already feeling calmer in 2026. Maybe slightly less informed—but definitely calmer- I think it's working. And I’ll take that.

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Have a beautiful day. 🌿