I Tried Reading Before Bed… But It Was Too Boring (So I Tried This Instead)

“Stop scrolling and read before bed.”

That’s what everyone says.

So I actually tried it.

I picked up a book, got comfortable, and told myself I’d stick with it.

A few pages in… I was already reaching for my phone again.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want a better habit, it just didn’t feel natural. It felt forced.

Why Replacing Your Phone Isn’t That Simple

The problem wasn’t just scrolling.

It was what came after.

Most advice tells you what to stop doing, but not what to replace it with.

Reading works for some people. But if it doesn’t grab your attention, it just becomes another thing you feel like you should be doing.

I needed something that:

• kept my hands busy
• didn’t feel like work
• and actually helped me relax

What I Tried Instead

That’s when I came across paint by numbers.

At first, I didn’t think much of it.

It seemed almost too simple — like something I’d lose interest in after a few minutes.

But I tried it anyway.

Why It Actually Works

What surprised me is how easy it is to get into.

You don’t need to plan anything.
You don’t need to be creative or “good at art.”

You just start.

And within a few minutes, you’re focused on something simple and repetitive in a good way.

No notifications.
No switching between apps.
No mental overload.

Just one thing in front of you.

That “It’s Coming Together” Moment

At the beginning, it doesn’t look like much.

Just numbers. Random shapes.

But then something starts to happen.

The colors connect. The details build. And suddenly, it starts to look like something real.

That moment is what keeps you going.

It’s Way More Relaxing Than I Expected

What I didn’t expect was how calming it feels.

It’s one of those things where:

• you can completely zone out
• or just sit and think
• or even do it while talking with someone

It doesn’t demand your full attention, but it holds it just enough.

And that’s what makes it perfect at the end of the day.

You Don’t Need to Be “Artistic”

This was the biggest thing for me.

I’ve never considered myself an artist.

But with paint by numbers, you don’t have to be.

Everything is laid out for you — so instead of worrying about what to do, you just focus on doing it.

And it turns out way better than you’d expect.

It Can Even Be Personal

One of the coolest parts is that some people turn their own photos into paintings.

Things like:

• pets
• favorite memories
• places they’ve been

It makes the whole experience feel a lot more meaningful.

A Simple Way to Spend Less Time on Your Phone

I didn’t go into this expecting much.

I just wanted something — anything — that didn’t involve staring at a screen.

And it turned out to be one of the easiest habits to stick with.

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If you’ve been trying to spend less time on your phone, but nothing’s really worked…

This might be worth trying.

 

→ Browse paint by number kits

→ Turn your own photo into a custom painting