Try This: 4 Big Shares for Your Week

I have four fun, simple, and impactful shares for you this week: 

Here’s a glance at today.

1. The “innocent” habit that is making us anxious and less focused

2. The morning hack I swear by for better sleep every night 

3. Relationship advice when you’re in the middle of an argument

4. My new favorite coffee maker (the old one had mold in it!)

Let’s get into it.

Number 1: Bingeing on TikTok and Instagram Videos Is Causing Anxiety and Poor Focus

Recent research shows that frequent use of short-form video apps (like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts) is associated with poorer cognitive performance and lower mental well-being. Shocking, I know! But for real, we need to take this seriously because… 

People who reported frequent use of bite‑sized, endless-scroll videos had more difficulty focusing, inhibiting impulses, and handling stress and anxiety, and on top of all that, they had worse sleep, too. 

I’ve noticed this in my own life too. Short-form content has become so addictive that I’ve found myself spending less and less time on apps like Instagram. In this day and age, we have to be so vigilant about protecting our mental health and happiness. Instagram, TikTok, and now even YouTube are powerful tools, but I try to use them within limits so my brain doesn’t rot.

We’ve all heard that these apps are designed to be hard to put down. They deliver a constant stream of novelty and reward that trains the brain to seek fast dopamine hits. Over time, this may leave us less capable of sustained focus, patience, or deeper emotional regulation.

I’m telling you right now, this isn’t just about kids and teens. Adults are addicted too. I see it in family members all the time. Set boundaries. Try a “no short-form scroll” rule 30 minutes before bed, or block off certain parts of your day as screen-free zones. Swap scrolling for stillness, reading, or even boredom; your brain needs that space to reset.

Number 2: The Morning Hack I Swear By for Better Sleep

A new study of 1,762 adults found that getting sun before 10:00 a.m. was strongly linked with better sleep patterns and circadian rhythm alignment. 

Specifically, for every additional 30 minutes of morning sunshine exposure, the “midpoint of sleep” (i.e., the halfway mark between falling asleep and waking up) shifted about 23 minutes earlier. That earlier sleep midpoint is a good thing, as it suggests you're more in alignment with natural sleep-wake cycles.

The study also showed that more morning sun was tied to better overall sleep quality. 

I’ve been doing this for a while, and here’s my recommendation: go for a morning walk, have coffee on your patio, take your dog out, take the kids out, or listen to your podcast while you sit on your front steps. Not only will you sleep better, but your mood will likely improve because let’s be real: being outside, getting fresh air, seeing some trees, the sky and neighbors is a way better than being indoors staring at a screen first thing in the morning.

Number 3: Relationship Reset Advice

I immediately saved this post when I saw it because it’s so simple. “Hey, just a reminder that we’re best friends.” 

My wife and I have our own version of this and it's a major way that we reset in our relationship when conversations get off track.

I know that saying this to your significant other in the middle of a fight is not going to solve everything, but what it does is remind you both of the most important thing in that moment: that you’re on each other's team. That you’re rooting for each other no matter what. Everything else is secondary. 

Just this reminder alone can de-escalate a conflict, encourage humor, joy, and love, and help you reset to a more productive place.

Number 4: Glass Coffee Press

A few years ago, I was given a beautiful Italian espresso machine as a wedding present, and I was super excited because it was all metal! The only plastic parts were the water container and the tubing that brought water into the machine. But about eight months ago, I started to notice mold in the plastic container, even though I was doing my best to keep it clean. 

After this happened a few times I thought its time to move on to a different solution. I decided to permanently make the switch to this glass AeroPress, and I’m never looking back. 

First, let me just say I have no affiliation with this company; I just genuinely like this coffee maker because it’s made from glass and stainless steel, and the vacuum press technology does lead to better tasting coffee. Also because you can see all the parts it's easier to keep it clear and mold-free.

Another bonus: this AeroPress uses a paper filter, so it helps me reduce the amount of cafestol I consume (cafestol can increase your LDL cholesterol over time). Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out this Try This article here. 

In full transparency, the AeroPress is not great at making espresso, but if you are a drip coffee fan and don't mind a little bit of manual labor, I think you might dig it.

That’s it for now. See you next week with more shares.

Here’s to your clean coffee, morning sunlight, and health,

Dhru Purohit