Use your free time instead of wasting it

        I found myself in a state of bliss the other day. I was tracing a photograph I had imported into a drawing app on my tablet. The concentration of the activity quieted my rampant thoughts down to just what was needed to do the task. I know I was not in that state long before I realized it, but it was enough to change how I prioritize my free time with that screen. I immediately refocused on tracing the photo and the subtle lines I needed to follow. My life's voices, news, and situations were still in my mind, but I could push them aside and let drawing be the priority. The work was difficult, and there were many do-overs. I thought of the paper I used to ball up and throw away as I applied the digital eraser and ignored frustration. A flood of fulfillment and achievement rewarded my concentration.

        I have since found other ways to regain peace of mind. Putting the phone down has been a challenge, even though I know it is the primary source of anxiety-inducing news. I have not found a replacement habit for the phone, but I am more aware of my surroundings. Sometimes, when looking around, I imagine visual compositions and scenes. I can inspect the jagged edge of a leaf, listen to what rustles in the wind, and, if I need to, swat bugs away with impunity.

Thank you for reading more of my article despite my message. Please put your screen down when you finish. Ha Ha!

        I also think about things I like more. I liked that park, that movie, the actors, and the song. It is not a constant stream of things—that would be ridiculous. But you can practice letting these kinds of thoughts outcompete their negative counterparts. I’m not saying to drown out difficulties that you need to attend to, but you might be able to tame the doom thoughts attached to them. I find more patience and sometimes a new perspective when dealing with issues.

        I do not consider myself to be impaired by anxiety, and I hope I do not experience that level of distress. I get enough sleep most days, even though my brain just won’t quit. I am happy but have a history of sad and bad times. I certainly do not want to make a misery comparison competition. We all have stuff to deal with, and life can be cruel. Take advantage of your freedom to choose how to react if you can. And if the power to change resides with you, be that change or work toward a fix.

        Life has plenty of triggers to trap us in an anxiety spiral or worse. We compulsively scroll on our screens when we should find a less aggravating way to use our free time – yes, free time. Before portable screens, it was normal to look at stuff in your vicinity, like plants, the sky, traffic, people, and whatever else. Now, given the choice of a screen, we go for social media's doom and advertising feed. But we can replace scrolling with healthier behavior. Consider the free time you spend toiling on a screen as an opportunity for relaxation and play. Plan a new project or reminisce and enjoy some happy thoughts.

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