How many times have you opened your phone for “just five minutes” and ended up scrolling for hours? I used to do that a lot, especially when I felt overwhelmed or stressed. For me, art became a way out of that cycle. Whenever I feel drained, I pick up my sketch pad or even just a random piece of paper and start drawing- especially sketching.

There’s something about focusing on lines, shapes, details, and shading that forces me to slow down. In that moment, everything around me feels like it pauses. My thoughts quiet down, and I feel more grounded and present. Instead of getting lost in endless scrolling, art helps me use that same time in a more meaningful way.

It improves my focus and gives my mind a break from constant distractions. The best part is that the outcome doesn’t need to be perfect or impressive. It’s not about creating something glamorous- it’s the process that matters. That’s where the real magic happens. I’ve come to realise that art is not just a form of self-expression for me, but also a way to reconnect with myself. And if you ever find yourself stuck in that loop of endless scrolling, maybe pause for a moment before opening another app.

Pick up a pencil, draw something simple, or just let your hand move freely on paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You might find that instead of losing hours to doom scrolling, you gain back control over your time and attention- and sometimes, that’s all you really need.