Episode Overview:

Podcast: The Dr. Laura Podcast
Episode Title: Better Ways to Relax After Work
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Date: December 17, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger explores healthier, science-backed alternatives to mindlessly scrolling on your phone after work. Inspired by an article from Inc.com by Jessica Stillman, Dr. Laura discusses seven (plus one personal) activities that promote relaxation, mental well-being, and improved cognitive function. She shares research insights, personal anecdotes, and real-life applications, all delivered in her signature candid and empathetic style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Problem with Mindless Scrolling

[01:00]

• Dr. Laura opens with a reflection on daily habits of aimless phone scrolling (social media, news feeds, etc.), highlighting how these can consume "hours and hours" of our lives.
• She underscores the emotional and existential cost:

  "It's a sad way ... to spend so many hours of a precious life. When you put it that way, it really stops you in your head, doesn't it? You're wasting life. You're not just wasting time, you're wasting life." (Dr. Laura, 01:30)

• She reminds listeners that our time is valuable, echoing the perspective of people facing major life struggles.

Science-Backed Relaxation Alternatives

Based on the referenced article, Dr. Laura outlines seven (plus one of her own) effective, fulfilling ways to unwind after work:

1. Knitting (or Crocheting)

[02:10]

• Cites British Olympic diver Tom Daley, who credits his Olympic gold medal to the calming effects of knitting.
• Dr. Laura adds, "He never said he knitted beautiful things... He just said it relaxes you."
• Personal note: Dr. Laura prefers crocheting ("I knit sort of under duress, but I love crocheting and it does the same thing. It puts you in a zone." — 03:10).

2. Adult Coloring

[03:30]

• Discusses studies finding adult coloring (e.g., mandala patterns) can reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout, sometimes as effectively as meditation.
• Emphasizes the tangible product of creativity: "And you have something to show for it."

3. Joining a Choir or Drum Circle

[04:30]

• Singing and group music-making are shown to improve mental health, reduce anxiety/depression, and foster social connection.
• Notable quote:

  "Singing is a deeply embodied activity. It reminds us to get in touch with our whole selves." (Dr. Laura, paraphrasing Jessica Stillman, 04:50)

• Dr. Laura shares, "The point is not how good you are at singing, the point is how much you enjoy it. And I don't know why, but I always sound better in the shower." (05:20)

4. Dance

[06:00]

• For those less musically inclined, movement offers cognitive benefits and "turns back the clock" on your brain.
• Dr. Laura quips, "All kinds of movement are good for cognitive functioning. So I guess we get less stupid if we move our bodies. I like that."

5. Reading Novels

[07:00]

• Highlights that super achievers often read fiction to unwind and that narrative immersion expands attention spans and boosts memory.
• Another personal note: Dr. Laura: "I have always read a ton of novels."

6. Walking

[07:30]

• Historical thinkers such as Darwin and Jobs valued walking for creativity and problem-solving.
• Personal anecdote:

  "I wrote my books that way ... I would talk what was going on in my head out loud and I'd get home and type." (08:00)

• She notes walking as a daily routine that clears her mind.

7. Cooking Dinner from Scratch

[08:30]

• Cooking improves health, saves money, and can be deeply rewarding despite most restaurant meals being unhealthy.
• Dr. Laura muses: "Frankly, I don't think we go out ... to be healthy. Yeah, I think we do it because it feels good."

Dr. Laura’s "Bonus" Eighth Way: Organizing & Straightening Up

[09:30]

• Adds from personal experience: organizing a space (like a pantry) can be deeply satisfying and relaxing.
• Humorous anecdote: a friend pointed out many of her pantry goods were expired—a reminder to let go of clutter.
• Ties this to the satisfaction of preparing food (she baked cinnamon raisin bread):

  "I think from now on I’m gonna double up on the cinnamon. I really like the smell, the aroma of cinnamon when the bread's done." (10:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On phone scrolling:

  "You're not just wasting time, you're wasting life." (Dr. Laura, 01:30)

• On knitting & relaxation:

  "It relaxes you ... so when you have to do [something demanding] you are in a zone." (Dr. Laura, 03:10)

• On singing for joy, not performance:

  "The point is not how good you are at singing, the point is how much you enjoy it." (Dr. Laura, 05:20)

• On walking & creativity:

  "I wrote my books that way ... I would talk what was going on in my head out loud and I'd get home and type." (Dr. Laura, 08:00)

• On organizing as relaxation:

  "Organizing where everything is neat... just taking your pantry, pull everything out... it's deeply satisfying." (Dr. Laura, 09:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:00–02:00 — Dangers of mindless scrolling; setting up the problem
• 02:10–03:30 — Knitting (Tom Daley’s story); Dr. Laura on crocheting
• 03:30–04:30 — Adult coloring for adults
• 04:30–06:00 — Singing, drumming, joining choirs; group connection
• 06:00–07:00 — Dancing as a form of relaxation and cognitive boost
• 07:00–07:30 — The benefits of reading novels for relaxation
• 07:30–08:30 — Walking as a tool for problem-solving and creativity
• 08:30–09:30 — Cooking dinner from scratch, reflections on eating out
• 09:30–10:30 — Dr. Laura’s own tip: organizing or straightening up

Episode Tone & Style

Dr. Laura is direct, warm, occasionally playful, and draws from both scientific studies and her lived experience. She peppers advice with humor and personal anecdotes, making the evidence-based suggestions relatable and actionable for listeners.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Laura sums up that these eight practices are not just better than mindless scrolling—they actively promote joy, connection, and well-being. Each offers a way to reclaim your time with intention and satisfaction, reminding listeners:

"All of those trump scrolling."

Listeners are encouraged to pick one or more new habits to try after work—for a happier, healthier, and more meaningful daily life.