Doom scrolling for hours, always glued to your phone, checking your phone first. thing in the morning. Does this sound familiar? This may be the reality of many who own a smartphone today. The 30-second attention spans and blank faces on public transport are caused by this very habit. However, here are five books that can transform your urge to scroll into something productive.
A back-to-basics journey is important for people with an exponentially high screen time. It not only takes away precious time lost, but also sends the human brain into a mindless loop. A Harvard study revealed, “Our brains and bodies are expertly designed to handle short bursts of stress. But over the past several years, the stress just doesn’t seem to end. Doomscrolling is our response to that.” The study revealed that doomscrolling can have detrimental effects like headaches, muscle tension, neck and shoulder pain, low appetite, difficulty sleeping, and even elevated blood pressure, according to Harvard experts.
Books to end doomscrolling: 5 genres, 5 ways to break free
Make Time (Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky)
This self-help book can help you gain a different insight into productivity. Praised in Wired for its fresh approach to digital distraction, Make Time offers bite‑size tweaks and daily tactics to reclaim your focus. The book’s fun mindset shifts and daily “highlight” system are playful yet practical, so you’ll be setting priorities, not doomscrolling.
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Everyone Has a Story (Savi Sharma)
This inspirational fiction story is one of India’s feel-good bestseller from the shelves. Savi’s self-published novel explores dreams, friendships, and hope through relatable characters. The emotional riptide gives its readers a life-affirming narrative and make you forget your phone.
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The Creative Act: A Way of Being (Rick Rubin)
This memoir philosophy is a hidden gem among the lot and explores creativity as a means of mindfulness, not just a practice. It’s thought-provoking and poetic syntax makes every chapter interesting and make it very hard for the reader to scroll away.
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Heart Lamp (Banu Mushtaq)
Shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize, Heart Lamp brings powerful, deeply emotional stories of Muslim and Dalit women in India. The short story format grips the reader with its vivid exposition and short enough for you go on a journey and cherish each tale.
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The Ashram (Sattar Memon)
A global award winner novel is a doctor’s spiritual healing journey. Set in the Himalayas, it also highlights a woman’s fight against tradition and norm. Its ethical dilemmas will make you forget the digital overload.
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How to end doomscrolling?
Since you already might be in the habit of picking up your phone whenever you catch a breath, you might need a little extra help. Start with one book at a time and alternate between genres if needed. Fix a time so that you may build a habit. One story at a time, swap your socials with books overtime.