Swapping Scrolling for Stories: Loree’s 2025 Reading Challenge.
I started 2025 with a SMART goal: to dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading. This goal felt ambitious for me. I spend significant time online—scrolling, researching, and posting—and I was convinced I didn’t have 30 free minutes in my day. Where would I find the time? But I decided to challenge myself: I put down my phone, turned off my notifications, and picked up a book.
The Challenge of Slowing Down
If I’m being honest, it wasn’t easy at first. Sitting still for 30 minutes felt impossible. I often found my mind wandering, my hand tempted to reach for my phone. Instead of being hard on myself, I gave myself grace.
I celebrated any progress—even a few minutes more than the day before. Slowly but surely, I built a habit. I experimented with different times of day, cozy reading spots, and even the perfect tea to pair with my book. One month into the year, I’ve completed my first book of 2025. And honestly? I’m proud of myself.
The Science Behind Screen Time and Mental Clarity
Debra Ruder, from Harvard Medical School, explains that digital devices can interfere with everything from sleep to creativity. Even during the day, excessive screen time can overstimulate our minds. It’s even worse at night: evening screen use disrupts deep REM sleep, which is crucial for processing and storing the day’s experiences in memory. Over time, this disruption can impact not just our mental clarity but also our overall well-being.
A Small Habit, A Big Impact
For me, swapping scrolling for reading has been a game changer. I see it as a double win:
✅ Reducing screen time = improving sleep and mental clarity.
✅ Reading = nurturing my mind and imagination.
This small daily practice makes a big difference in my mental health.
Your Turn: What’s One Small Change You Can Make?
As we embrace 2025, I invite you to reflect on your own goals. What small, meaningful changes could you make to prioritize your well-being? And if you’re looking for a starting point, here’s a thought: what’s the first book you’d pick up?
Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and clarity.
