Here’s How to Stop Doomscrolling & Feed Your Soul

This Week’s Focus:

The second pillar of the divineFlow lifestyle—spiritual reading—is your invitation to trade the endless scroll for soul-nourishing words. Instead of getting lost in distraction, let wisdom-filled books or podcasts spark fresh insights, quiet your racing mind, and awaken a joy that carries into your everyday life.

Doomscrolling

You know the feeling—that restless urge to keep refreshing headlines, scrolling through social media, watching 24-hour news, or clicking on one more post that stirs fear, outrage, or despair.

Doomscrolling is the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news or social media, which triggers stress and anxiety rather than bringing peace or clarity.

Science says we do it because each alarming headline gives us a quick surge of adrenaline. Our brains are wired to scan for threats, so the feed tricks us into thinking we’re staying safe and informed.

The Science Behind Doomscrolling

Why do we keep scrolling even when it makes us feel worse?

• Adrenaline hits. Each alarming headline triggers a burst of adrenaline—our fight-or-flight chemical.
• Threat scanning. Our brains are wired to look for danger, so the feed tricks us into thinking we’re staying safe.
• The trap. Instead of protecting us, the cycle fuels anxiety, restlessness, and exhaustion.

But instead of protecting us, constant scrolling traps us in noise. The cycle feeds our anxiety, drains our peace, and leaves us restless and disconnected from ourselves and God.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

My mom used to put it simply: “Garbage in, garbage out.” She said it when we blasted too much AC/DC or played video games for hours.

I didn’t realize it then, but she was right. What we feed our minds shapes who we become. If we fill our minds with violence, hatred, and negativity, we can’t expect peace to flow out.

Choosing Spiritual Reading Instead

The divineFlow path invites us to break the loop. Instead of doomscrolling, we pause. We breathe. We listen for the quiet voice of God beneath the noise.

Through spiritual reading—whether it’s Scripture, inspiring books, uplifting podcasts, audiobooks, or guided meditations—we replace the flood of fear with words that awaken hope, wisdom, and joy.

Unlike doomscrolling, which drains our energy, spiritual reading gives us something positive to chew on throughout the day. A phrase, story, or insight can echo in our hearts, guiding us back to peace when our mind wanders.

divineFlow teaches us to shift our attention from the stream of anxiety to the wellspring of love. There, we nourish our hearts, quiet our minds, and re-center ourselves in what’s life-giving.

Why Spiritual Reading Matters

The good news? We get to choose what we allow into our minds.

Spiritual reading is one of the most powerful ways to replace “garbage in” with “wisdom in.” It gives our minds something nourishing to chew on—truth, encouragement, and wisdom that shape us from the inside out.

Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with the world or the alarming headlines that feed fear, we can chew on a phrase, story, or insight from what we are reading, listening to, or meditating on.

These small pieces of wisdom, encouragement, or inspiration echo in our minds throughout the day, guiding our thoughts, shaping our hearts, and helping us respond to life from a place of inner peace and clarity.

Spiritual reading can take many forms:

• Reading scripture or an inspiring book
• Listening to a guided meditation or uplifting podcast
• Reflecting on words of wisdom from saints, mystics, and spiritual teachers
• Immersing yourself in an inspiring audiobook during a walk or commute

Jesus made spiritual reading a central practice. He studied and memorized the Torah. He carried its words in his heart and wove them into his teaching. The Father’s words from the Psalms—“You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”—formed the foundation of his identity and purpose.

In the same way, spiritual reading shapes us. It feeds our souls, fills our neurons with life-giving insights, and gives the Holy Spirit fresh language to inspire us in daily life.

Spiritual reading gives our minds something nourishing to chew on—truth, encouragement, and wisdom that shape us from the inside out, rather than letting anxiety and negativity dictate our mental and emotional

Simple Ways to Begin

1. Choose your time. Morning, evening, or during a commute—find a rhythm that fits your life.
2. Create your space. A chair by the window, a quiet nook, or a spot outdoors can become your reading place.
3. Pick your source. Ask God to guide you to a book, podcast, or scripture passage that will speak to your journey right now.
4. Chew and savor. Don’t rush. Read slowly. Let a phrase or insight sink in and become something nourishing to chew on during your day. Carry it with you like sacred food for your soul.
5. Try a monthly Sabbath of reading. Set aside a half-day or full day to immerse yourself in a book or scripture, letting the Spirit soak wisdom into your soul.

To help you begin, I’ve included a link to my Recommended Spiritual Reading List—books that have impacted many on the contemplative path. Let one of them call out to you. Click here to download the list.

And if you’d like to listen rather than read, here’s a link to my Finding Flow audio book: Finding Flow: Spiritual Practices to Reclaim Inner Peace, Balance, and Wholeness 

Wisdom In, Peace Out

Remember my mom’s wisdom: garbage in, garbage out. But the opposite is also true: wisdom in, peace out.

Instead of doomscrolling through negative headlines or social media posts, pause. Breathe. Let your soul choose nourishment.

? Open a spiritual book.
? Listen to an inspiring podcast, audiobook, or guided meditation.
? Read a passage of Scripture slowly.

Each time you reach for your phone or find the scroll monster grabbing your attention, ask: Will this feed my fear or feed my soul.

Choose what’s life-giving by making spiritual reading a part of your everyday practice. That’s the path of divineFlow.

— brian j plachta

Next Week

Next week, you’ll get a peek at the third pillar of the divineFlow lifestyle: community. You’ll learn how surrounding yourself with a circle of trust—people who inspire, support, and encourage you—can help you grow, stay grounded, and become the best version of yourself.

PS: ✨ Spirituality on the Go

If you need a spark of inspiration and love listening to podcasts, I’ve got you covered—click below to discover 23 Spirituality on the Go episodes to stop doomscrolling and step deeper into divineFlow: Click here.