Tuesday, 2 September 2025

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8 Apps to Use Instead of Doomscrolling on Your iPhone



We’ve all been there—picking up our iPhone just to “check one thing” and then falling into the endless rabbit hole of doomscrolling. Whether it’s bad news, negative comments, or an algorithm that thrives on outrage, this habit can eat up hours of your day while leaving you drained, anxious, and unproductive.

But here’s the good news: your iPhone can be a tool for personal growth, relaxation, and joy if you choose the right apps. Instead of letting social media and news feeds dominate your time, consider filling your phone with apps that build skills, improve your mood, and actually make life better.

Here are 8 apps to use instead of doomscrolling on your iPhone.

1. Headspace (Meditation & Mindfulness)

If doomscrolling leaves your mind cluttered, meditation apps like Headspace can clear the noise. With guided sessions, sleep sounds, and quick mindfulness exercises, it helps you replace anxious scrolling with intentional breathing. Just 10 minutes a day can shift your focus from external chaos to inner calm.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: It reduces stress instead of fueling it.

2. Duolingo (Language Learning)

Instead of scrolling through negativity, imagine using that time to learn a new language. Duolingo gamifies the process, making language learning fun, quick, and addictive—in a good way. Those 15 minutes of idle scrolling could instead be 15 minutes toward fluency in Spanish, French, or even Japanese.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: You’re building a skill that opens up new opportunities and cultures.

3. Kindle or Libby (Reading eBooks & Audiobooks)

If you love reading but find yourself stuck on social feeds, eBook and audiobook apps are a healthier alternative. Kindle gives you instant access to thousands of books, while Libby connects you to free titles from your local library. Instead of doomscrolling, you could be exploring great novels, biographies, or self-improvement guides.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: You swap bite-sized negativity for deep, enriching stories.

4. Notion (Productivity & Journaling)

Sometimes, doomscrolling is just procrastination in disguise. Notion can help redirect that time into something meaningful—organizing your life. From habit tracking to journaling to planning projects, it’s like a digital command center. Even five minutes spent journaling can feel better than five minutes of negative headlines.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: It transforms idle time into structured productivity.

5. Calm (Relaxation & Sleep)

If the endless stream of online negativity keeps you awake at night, Calm is the antidote. With its soothing soundscapes, bedtime stories, and relaxation tools, it helps you replace late-night scrolling with actual rest. Sleep is one of the best productivity tools, and this app makes it easier to get.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: It doesn’t just fill your time—it restores your energy.

6. Nike Training Club (Fitness)

Scrolling doesn’t move your body, but fitness apps can. Nike Training Club offers free workouts for all levels, from yoga and strength training to HIIT and mobility routines. Instead of sitting and consuming, you’re actively improving your health. A 20-minute workout will always beat 20 minutes of scrolling.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: You trade sitting for sweating—and your future self will thank you.

7. Daylio (Mood Tracking)

One big downside of doomscrolling is how it affects your mental health without you noticing. Daylio helps track your mood and habits in a simple, visual way. Over time, you see patterns that help you recognize what activities improve or harm your well-being.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: It helps you build awareness of your emotional state instead of numbing it.

8. Skillshare (Learning New Skills)

If you’re going to spend hours on your phone, why not invest in yourself? Skillshare offers thousands of bite-sized classes on everything from photography and cooking to business and design. You could scroll through outrage—or you could scroll through creative inspiration and career-building lessons.

Why it’s better than doomscrolling: Every minute can move you closer to becoming more skilled and inspired.

Final Thoughts

Doomscrolling feels passive, addictive, and draining. But you don’t have to delete your iPhone or cut off the internet to escape it. By simply swapping the apps you use during downtime, you can turn your phone into a tool for growth rather than stress.

The key is to ask yourself: Am I consuming content that makes me better, calmer, or happier? Or am I stuck in a cycle of negativity? Replacing just 15 minutes a day of doomscrolling with one of these apps can completely shift your mindset and productivity.

Your iPhone doesn’t have to be a doom machine. With the right apps, it can be your personal coach, teacher, and therapist—all in your pocket.

 


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