This blog is better than doomscrolling.

Ever wake up, roll over, and grab your phone—just to be instantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and a fresh wave of bad news? Yeah. Same.

While this week’s news has been a bit doom and gloom, we’re looking for ways to take our minds off the 24-hour news cycle.

This past week, I finally said enough is enough. As my news and social media feeds once again filled up with tales of Orange Voldemort, repeals of LGBTQ+ rights, and a host of other nightmares south of the border, I decided it was time for a doomscroll detox—because marinating in anxiety wasn’t doing me (or anyone else) any favours.

Grabbing your phone first thing in the morning? Congratulations, you’ve just set the tone for a day filled with stress, distraction, and chasing dopamine like a trash panda rummaging through a dumpster fire. Science says it’s one of the worst things you can do to your brain before coffee. Here’s why:

• Spike your stress levels—Jumping straight into emails, notifications, and world events creates an instant sense of urgency, making it harder to start the day with a calm, clear mind.
• Drain your mental energy—Your brain is already processing a flood of information before you’ve even gotten out of bed, leading to decision fatigue and reduced focus.
• Disrupt your sleep cycle—Screen exposure first thing in the morning can throw off your body’s natural rhythms, making you feel more sluggish and less rested.

And here’s the kicker: it also messes with your dopamine levels. Social media gives you quick dopamine hits first thing in the morning, which sounds nice—except it sets your brain up to chase those little bursts of stimulation all day long.

Instead of feeling satisfied by actual good things (a great conversation, finishing a task, visiting your favourite refillery), your brain keeps looking for another scroll-induced dopamine fix. And the more we do it, the worse it gets.

My phone had already been banished to charge outside my bedroom at night, but now I’ve taken it a step further—no more dragging it into my morning routine. No picking it up the second I walk into the kitchen. No notifications hijacking my brain before coffee. Just me, my latte, and a very smug Loki soaking up the extra attention.

The first morning was weird. Without my usual habit of grabbing my phone, I just... sat there. Enjoying my latte (although much faster than usual), reflecting on my thoughts, and not stressing about shit I have no control over. (Let them)

And honestly? It felt better. Lighter. Like I was finally taking back the part of my day I’d been handing over to Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

That night, instead of half-watching a show while doom-scrolling, I went for a walk—which has somehow led to Mat and me going for walks almost every night. I’ve also been reading the Silo series—probably not the best escape from the chaos in the U.S., but I’m completely hooked.

It’s funny how one small shift—putting my phone away—ended up changing more than just my mornings.

Now, I’m not saying you need to swear off your phone entirely. If your morning routine happens to include reading this email with your coffee, well… that’s obviously an exception. I’d never ask you to give up the truly important things in life.

And honestly, what better way to keep that energy going than by celebrating something really worth showing up for?

Greenbriar is turned 4 this Saturday, March 8th! 

I know—wild, right?! Four years ago, we were packing up orders from our linen closet, hoping this little idea would take off. Now? We’ve got a full-fledged store, an amazing community, and—somehow—we’re also celebrating 1 year at Crossroads Market this month!

We’d love for you to celebrate with us!

4th Anniversary Celebration

• Thursday, March 13th
• 5-8 PM
• Greenbriar Market (Montgomery Location)

We’re popping bottles (both sparkling and non-alcoholic, thanks to Santé Dry Bottle Shop), offering sampling, door prizes, and a gift with purchase.

And because you're on this email list, you get first dibs. Starting today, for every $50 you spend (before taxes and fees), you’ll get a free Ornata bath bomb—the perfect excuse to unplug, leave your phone in another room, and sink into some well-deserved relaxation.

This deal officially runs Saturday, March 8, through Thursday, March 13, but as an email subscriber, you can grab yours starting now.

Shopping in-store? Just mention this email at checkout.
Ordering online? Be sure to add the bath bomb to your cart and use code FIRSTDIBS at checkout to claim yours!

So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get out, celebrate something good, and raise a glass with us, this is it.