How to Stop Doomscrolling and Actually Study (Maybe)

You sat down to study. You really meant to. But somewhere between opening your textbook and checking "just one notification," you fell into the black hole of doomscrolling—two hours later, you’ve memorized 37 memes but still don’t know what mitochondria do.

If this sounds familiar, here’s how to escape the scroll trap and maybe—just maybe—get some work done.

Step 1: Admit You Have a Problem

• You tell yourself, "I’ll just check Instagram for five minutes."

• Suddenly, you’re deep-diving into your ex’s cousin’s vacation photos from 2018.

• Diagnosis: You’re not "researching," you’re avoiding responsibility.

Step 2: Delete the Apps (Temporarily, Like a Breakup)

• Uninstall social media during study hours.

• If that feels too extreme, use app blockers (Freedom, StayFocusd).

• Alternative: Log out every time. The extra effort to log back in might make you reconsider.

Step 3: Trick Your Brain Into Productivity

The "5-Minute Rule"

• Tell yourself, "I’ll study for just five minutes."

• Once you start, you’ll usually keep going (like eating one chip—impossible).

The "Body Double" Method

• Study with a friend (even virtually).

• Peer pressure works wonders.

The "Reverse Doomscroll"

• Replace your feed with educational content (Khan Academy, productivity TikToks).

• At least if you procrastinate, you’ll learn something.

Step 4: Make Doomscrolling Less Appealing

• Turn your phone grayscale (suddenly, everything looks boring).

• Put your phone in another room (out of sight, out of mind).

• Nuclear option: Give your phone to a friend and say, "Don’t give it back until I finish this chapter."

Step 5: Forgive Yourself and Try Again

• You will relapse. It’s okay.

• The goal isn’t perfection—it’s slightly less scrolling, slightly more studying.

Final Thought

Doomscrolling won’t disappear forever, but with these tricks, you might actually open your textbook before midnight.