Social media gets a bad reputation when it comes to self-care—and often, for good reason. We associate it with doomscrolling, comparison spirals, and overstimulation. But what if, instead of draining us, our feeds could nourish us?
I’ve started practicing a mindful, intentional interaction with social media that I’ve dubbed carebrowsing. This way of engaging with social media is the antithesis of doomscrolling. It’s the act of thoughtfully engaging with content that uplifts, validates, or gently redirects your attention in a nourishing way. Carebrowsing doesn’t mean avoiding the real world. It means creating digital spaces that support your emotional and mental well-being.
Let’s look at three creators who embody this spirit and show how social media, when curated with care, can become a tool for healing and connection.
- Quincy’s Tavern – A Gentle Escape
If you haven’t stumbled into the world of Quincy’s Tavern on Instagram, you’re in for a small, magical reprieve. Each post feels like entering a cozy room where you’re reminded to pause, breathe, and be welcomed exactly as you are. His soft-spoken invitations and the warm, cozy virtual pub he’s created provide a gentle reset for your nervous system. He’s even started a weekly check-in where he assigns you a quest. (The first of these was to take a deep breath and exhale slowly, unclench your jaw, and drink a glass of water.) In the middle of a hectic scroll, a single reel from Quincy is enough to bring you back to center. That’s carebrowsing. - ADHD_Love – Real Talk, Real Relief
The creators behind @ADHD_Love are dismantling the shame and stigma around ADHD by sharing relatable, humorous, and deeply validating content. For anyone who has ever struggled with executive dysfunction, emotional overwhelm, or misunderstood brain wiring, their posts offer a mirror—one held with compassion. They’ve even created an app called Dubbi that pairs you with a virtual task partner, since many of us need a little external accountability just to make it through the day. Carebrowsing means following accounts that both mirror your experience and honor it. - Coach John Noel – Practical Wellness for Real Life
On his official Facebook page, Coach John Noel describes his mission as making health and fitness “fun, relatable, and applicable.” His feed includes approachable workout segments, easy cooking ideas, and motivational check-ins that feel supportive, not overwhelming. Whether it’s a 20-minute “just moving around” routine or a healthy recipe suggestion for people who can’t or don’t want to cook, his content is about consistency over perfection. That’s carebrowsing in movement and nutrition—tiny habits that build strength without pressure.
Rethink Your Scroll
Carebrowsing isn’t about adding more screen time—it’s about reclaiming the screen time you already have. A quiet post from Quincy might calm your nervous system. A reel from ADHD_Love might name something you couldn’t. A prompt from Coach Joel might inspire one small action that helps you feel stronger in your own skin.
It’s not passive. It’s intentional. It’s scrolling that gives something back.
How to Start Carebrowsing
Try this:
- In the morning, pause with a post that creates a feeling of comfort or reflection.
- Midday, choose a creator whose content helps you feel seen rather than judged.
- Before bed, save something that gently nudges you toward rest or joy.
Carebrowsing isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a digital atmosphere that meets your needs instead of draining your reserves. You deserve a feed that listens, affirms, and encourages. You deserve content that cares back.
Because sometimes, a little peace can start with what we choose to see.