Let’s be honest, TikTok has been distracting most of us these days. TikTok has roughly 1.8 billion daily active users worldwide. It’s easy for us to spend hours on TikTok, because there are an endless number of videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes that can steal our attention and keep us in the TikTok bubble. With college classes starting, we all have to make sure we stay focused on our work. Here is a list of 10 things you can do instead of getting distracted by TikTok.
1. Go for a walk
According to a Stanford study, walking boosts your creative inspiration. “They examined [the] creativity levels of people while they walked versus while they sat. A person’s creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking.” It is why sometimes we pace back and forth when we are thinking or stressed about something. Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, was known for his walking meetings.
2. Read a book
I know that reading is not for everyone, but even taking a break by looking through a magazine can help you focus. When I can’t focus on my homework and I start scrolling through TikTok, I turn my phone off and read a book for 10 minutes to kind of reset my mind.
3. Exercise
You can do any kind of exercise you want, whether that be a cardio workout, riding a bike or playing a sport you enjoy. Getting your body moving is a great way to clear your mind. Exercise helps you release stress, negative thoughts and feelings. It will be good for your health and improve your mood!
4. Meditate
Meditating is a great way to relax your mind. There are many different types of meditations you can do, and YouTube has guided, silent and other meditations available. I am a firm believer that everyone should try meditation at least once.
5. Take a nap
A quick 20-minute nap can help you recharge and focus on what you have to get done that day. We all need a break sometimes, and while it may be tempting to scroll on TikTok, your body may be telling you to take a break. When you are on TikTok you are overstimulating your brain, and that can actually affect your sleep too. The blue light from your phone can suppress the production of melatonin (the sleep-inducing hormone), so using your phone before bed can keep you awake. Most phones have a feature called either Night Light or Blue Light that you can turn on to reduce the amount of blue light.
6. Yoga
Usually, when people who don’t regularly do yoga think of yoga, they think of stretching and complicated yoga positions, but beginner’s yoga isn’t like that. YouTube has great beginner’s yoga videos you can follow along with. You can find the right video for you, and if it’s not for you, that’s okay!
7. Take a bath
Water can be very calming and healing. Baths are great to help you stop thinking about stressors or your daily schedule. You can just sink into the water and let the negative thoughts and feelings run off you.
8. Clean up your house
Cleaning is a great way to get rid of stress and de-clutter. After all, your environment affects your mental health, mood and way of life.
9. Do something creative
Write, paint, start a puzzle or do anything that requires you to think. Creative activities can be very therapeutic and fun. You might learn you have a talent you didn’t know you had.
10. Listen to music
Goalbuddy.com says you should put on your favorite artist or band and take a minute to yourself. Music is very healing and can boost your mood.
You don’t have to stop watching TikTok completely if you have a list of things to do. The most important thing is to listen to your body, and if you are getting distracted, take a short break and try one of these activities. I guarantee it will help you get back on track, and who knows, maybe you will even implement one or more into your daily routine.
