From fiber arts and ceramics to light exercise, there’s always something you can do instead of scrolling mindlessly
Illustration by Sage Blackwell.
If your thumb has been doing more miles than you have lately, you’re not alone. Scrolling has become the default way for many of us to fill every spare second — between classes, on the bus, and during study breaks. It’s easy, it’s automatic, and somehow it never feels like enough. But Victoria is full of alternatives that can make time fly by even quicker than scrolling on your phone does.
If you’re looking to break the scroll, here are some alternatives that make time feel well spent.
Fiber arts
There’s something especially calming about working with your hands. Activities like knitting, crocheting, or sewing give you something tactile to focus on, and you don’t need to be an expert to start. Even learning a few basic stitches can be enough to keep your hands busy while your mind unwinds. Victoria has plenty of spots to get supplies, from independent sewing, needlework, and yarn stores like Beehive Wool Shop, to craft-focused thrift stores, like Thrift/Craft Alternative Art Supply on Johnston St., where you can find materials for cheap.
Reading
If you’re craving a quieter escape, reading is the obvious go-to, but it helps when you make it feel like an experience rather than a chore. Browse local bookstores, like Munro’s, Bastion Books, or Russell Books, and pick something that actually interests you (not just what you think you should read). Then, carve out time to unplug.
Puzzles
Many of the benefits of reading go for slower, low-pressure activities like doing a crossword, sudoku, or word search, too. These are simple, satisfying activities, and are a lot more engaging than passively consuming content. Plus, they are mentally stimulating (which is a nice change from online brainrot).
Journaling
For something more creative, try making mood boards or journaling. Whether you use a notebook or a digital tool like Canva — collecting images, colours, and ideas can be a surprisingly fun way to reset. Scrapbooking is another option, if you want something more hands-on, as it gives you a tangible place to keep memories that would otherwise only live on your camera roll. Stationery and paper stores around Victoria make it easy to romanticize the process a little too.
Exercise
If you’d rather get out of your room entirely, there are plenty of ways to move your body without committing to an intense workout. You could head to CARSA, check out a local recreation centre, or just go for a walk. Victoria’s walking paths — from waterfront routes to quiet neighbourhood streets — make it easy to get outside and clear your head. Even a 20 minute walk is still 20 minutes not spent scrolling.
Socializing
For a more social option, consider activities that get you interacting with people in a low-pressure way. Board game cafes are a great alternative to scrolling alone, and they give you a reason to slow down and be present. Even something as simple as calling a friend, instead of texting or sending reels back and forth, can feel more meaningful.
Try something new!
If you’re in the mood to stay in but still want to be intentional, try baking or cooking something new. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You could also take a class, like pottery or another hands-on craft, if you’re looking to try something different and meet new people at the same time. Victoria has multiple ceramics studios where you can take 4–6 week course, or just a two-hour workshop, like those offered at Caitlin Prince Ceramics and Touci Ceramic Studio.
…Or something tried and true
Sometimes, the best alternative is also the simplest: watch a movie or show with your full attention. Going to a theatre like UVic’s on-campus venue, Cinecenta, can turn it into more of an event, but even watching something at home makes a difference, as long as you don’t just leave it on in the background while you scroll.
Similarly, writing a letter, reading the news, or spending time with a longer article can help retrain your focus in small ways.
None of these activities are revolutionary, but that’s the point. Breaking the scroll isn’t about completely changing your lifestyle overnight. It’s about finding small, intentional swaps that make your time feel a little more like your own.
