Choosing presence over scrolling: How I spent my time in 2025

What entered my life when I stopped scrolling and started paying attention.

This article isn’t about quitting social media.
It’s about everything that quietly entered my life when I stopped reaching for my phone.

In the last few months of 2024, I decided to step away from Instagram and spend the time I would otherwise spend scrolling more intentionally. I’ve always been a light user, but I noticed that whenever I was waiting or bored, my first reflex was to reach for my phone. Over time, that habit no longer felt comfortable or healthy.

As a creative person, I had always used Instagram to share my photos and romanticize my life, something I genuinely enjoyed. But gradually, my relationship with the platform became overwhelming and exhausting. Stepping away allowed me to be more present in the real world. I’ve always been a writer, and since leaving Instagram, I discovered Substack.

Living without social media gave me more time for myself, taught me how to slow down after work, and helped me feel happier, freer, and more present. 2025 became a peaceful and intentional year. That simple change gave me back an incredible amount of time I hadn’t realized I was losing to screens.

When I tell people I don’t use social media, reactions are usually one of three:

— “But then… what do you do to pass the time?”
— “Wow, I wish I could disconnect like that.”
— “Don’t you crave social attention? Social media gives you so much validation, how do you not seek that?”

Over time, I realized that not sharing my life online helped me trust my own choices more and freed me from seeking approval or validation from others.

To welcome 2026 mindfully, here’s a collection of moments and habits that filled the space once occupied by scrolling:

1. Reading

I’ve always loved reading, though for years it was something I returned to in phases rather than as a steady habit. In the past year, I read 30 books, most of them borrowed from the library. It was a conscious choice, for my budget, to own less, and because I genuinely love spending time there. I enjoy slowing down, wandering between shelves, and choosing just a handful of books instead of leaving with an overfilled tote bag.

These stories and written worlds carried me through the year in a quiet, meaningful way. Having access to so many authors and voices feels like a privilege. Each book opened a new universe, offering a kind of mental stimulation that feels far more nourishing, gentle, and intentional than scrolling ever could.

A full article on my favorite reads of the year is coming soon !

2. Museums

I visited two beautiful exhibitions at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal: Kent Monkman and Joyce Wieland. Experiencing art in person reminded me how rewarding it is to slow down, observe, and immerse myself fully in creativity.

Kent Monkman exhibition at the Musée des Beaux-Arts

Joyce Wieland exhbition at MBA

3. Solo dates

Spending time by myself has always been important. It gives me the space to reflect and also helps me enjoy the time I spend with others even more. As someone who is 48% extrovert and 52% introvert, these moments recharge me.

It can be a bike ride, trying a new café with a book, or going to the cinema alone, anything, really. I love how comfortable I am simply being with myself.

4. Going to the cinema

Over the past year, I discovered the work of Norwegian director Joachim Trier and fell deeply in love with his films. The first one I watched, The Worst Person in the World, stayed with me for a long time. I saw parts of myself in Julia, parts I used to be afraid of.

Watching it felt like letting go of something heavy in order to be more fully myself.

I also went to see his newest film in theaters with my partner, who introduced me to Trier’s work. Sharing that moment felt especially meaningful. It’s a deeply touching story about a father and daughter, and about everything a family home can carry over time. Highly recommended, just be ready for Norwegian subtitles.

5.Making space for mindful time with others

I’ve started planning my schedule more intentionally, making room for social moments that truly nourish me. I love meeting a friend for coffee and fully enjoying the moment, talking, exchanging thoughts, or simply reading together.With my parents, we’ve begun meeting in different cafés around the city, settling in with a cup of coffee and playing cards.

These moments are simple, but I treasure them deeply.

6. Finding pleasure in cooking

Cooking has always been a passion for me. Taking the time to prepare meals makes me feel grounded and present. It allows me to be mindful of what I’m nourishing my body with, which directly impacts my mental health.

Cooking for the people I love is one of my favorite ways to show affection. The kitchen is a space where I can let my creativity flow without pressure, a delicious playground. Finding joy in cooking feels essential to me, it’s the foundation of everything.

Things I’ve cooked

Things I’ve baked

I don’t think we need to quit our phones.
But I do think it’s worth asking what could enter our lives if we reached for them a little less.