This week, my For You page on TikTok has been filled with videos of creators “brain stacking” either at home or in their local libraries. The creator I believe began this trend is named Mandy Rulez, a book and sudoku lover. She begins her videos by pulling out her stack of books and brain activities, and of course, an iced coffee. Mandy starts by showcasing her iced coffee of the day, typically in a reusable glass container, and then begins feeding her brain with journaling, reading her book of choice, sudoku and whatever else she gets into for that allotted time. But what is “brain stacking”? How can we incorporate this into our phone-filled lives if we are just so busy? Well, let me fill you in.
The many creators who have jumped in on this trend each have a unique way of “brain stacking”, tailored to their likes and interests. The main purpose of this new hobby is to find time to be intentional with your mind. This can be your favorite book, a word search, your daily planner, your journal or anything you choose that isn’t your phone (this is key). Because of the normalcy of having hours and hours worth of screen time, this is a trend I can get behind. The idea is to show the unique ways creators are spending their time- in books!
These videos have taken place everywhere. Some creators are typically in their local library (which might be my favorite part of this trend- keep your local library alive!), some in the comfort of their own home, a local coffee shop, and more. They show their typical “brain stacking” routine. This can include what their journal prompt is for the day, the book they have been reading, what planner they use, their gratitude journal, or whatever brain activity they choose. The videos are normally silent, just the sounds of the pages and the creator. The videos vary from “brain stacking” before work to “brain stacking” before the library closes. This trend encourages those who have been looking for a reason to get off of their phone to feed their brain with something beneficial. Fitting in a time in your day to get out the book you have been wanting to start or the word puzzle you have been wanting to finish will give your brain a very much needed break. Find a roommate or friend willing to go to the library with you, and bring your big stack of word games and books. Trust me, it’s cool.
I think it is important to recognize this trend is actually encouraging you to get off of your phone, not spend more time on it. Most trends revolve around your overconsumption- whether that be of content or of physical items that you don’t need. It pushes you to use what you already have, or at least have access to at your local library. So, kudos to Miss Mandy Rulez. Let this be your sign; maybe it is that dang phone!