Between millions of bot accounts, ragebait posts, and AI slop, any daily scroller knows that the internet has gotten noticeably worse as algorithms fight for our endless attention. Whether you call it brain rot, enshittification, or simply late stage capitalism, the toxicity of social media is forcing users to turn elsewhere for entertainment and learning.
Following what Pinterest called “digital detox summer,” folks are ditching their phones and turning to tried and true methods for engaging their brain and reclaiming their attention span. From “dopamine menus” of offline activities that deliver the same happy chemicals as scrolling to creator-led self-guided study plans for getting back into the practice of deep learning, screens are out and reality is trending.
Books are hotter than ever as an antidote to digital life. But it’s not just fiction people are looking for! Pen and paper activities like sudoku, coloring, and journaling are boredom-busting go-tos for folks trying to escape the scroll. These slow, methodical activities encourage mindfulness and staying present as a reader gradually completes a coloring page or makes time for some introspection with handwritten journaling.
Our top picks? Try a Color by Numbers title from Search Press to create vintage-inspired posters one color at a time. For getting back to journaling, The Book of Alchemy reveals the life-altering power of daily writing to spark creativity and help journalers puzzle through tough life problems. Pair it with the new companion journal, The Alchemy Journal, for the ultimate gift bundle!
For puzzlers, there’s always the classic jigsaws like our bestselling Pride and Puzzlement: A Jane Austen Puzzle. But for those who need something to take on the go, MOSH’s collection of puzzles–including sudoku, crosswords, and word searches–are perfect for tucking into a bag while travelling.
For crafty makers, the Mini Amigurumi Animals Kit is a great all-in-one activity for an evening spent indoors. Or for those ready to take on a bigger project, The Endless Art Challenge Card Deck is perfect for creatives craving some new inspiration.
And finally, for those who taking “touching grass” literally, Amy Tan’s new Backyard Bird Journal is great for slowing down and spotting species that call your backyard home. Or for those who prefer a good old fashioned walk, books like Get Outside or Potter’s Nature Walk Journal are the best way to record where you went, what you saw, and how you felt for a mindful approach to getting back to nature.
Looking for more analog options to combat brain rot? Check out our title collection linked below to explore more hands-on, screen-free books and activities to rehab even the most fractured attention span.
