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Original poster

Anyone want to join me in tackling phone addiction?

27 replies

Newyearnewarse · 26/12/2022 22:33

I spend far too long just scrolling and playing pointless games.
I need to be more present .

Any hints or tips gratefully received.

I used to be a bug reader and I have buggered up my attention span. My first goal is to read a book.

This does sound a bit pathetic I know , but I also know I am not the only one struggling with this.

OP posts:
StopFeckingFaffing · 26/12/2022 22:37

Yes me

I don't have any answers but know I waste a huge amount of time pointlessly scrolling

I tend to be ok when I'm busy and with other people but definitely spend too much time looking at my phone in evening etc when I could be doing something more worthwhile with my time

PaperDoves · 26/12/2022 22:39

Yes, me! It's especially bad when I have time off. So many plans and I end up just surfing my phone.

I too have a book I mean to read.

Fatasbuggery · 26/12/2022 22:43

I am fine at work and if I am busy but sitting in the evening I spend hours just scrolling pointlessly.

Thank you for joining me. My aim is to just lower my daily usage every day, which shouldn't be too tricky as it is awful.

Ineedachangerightnow · 26/12/2022 22:43

Yes me. I deleted Instagram and Facebook 2 years ago and deleted tiktok just before Christmas but I've just swapped them out for games instead.

Is anyone else considering going back to a non-smart or low tech phone?

FerryYaBerryLa · 26/12/2022 22:43

Yes me - could have written your post OP

Speedmacarons · 26/12/2022 22:45

Yes! This will have the positive side effect of reducing online shopping 😳

QuantumMottle · 26/12/2022 22:46

I can't stop either, it's really annoying and absolutely bloody pointless. I do fine when I'm at work, then when I'm off work I've just hot my phone I my hand all the time. Even DS2 (9) notices, generally when I tell him his needs to take some time off from screens! "But you're always looking at your phone, mum".

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 26/12/2022 22:48

Yes me! I do play a game on my phone but I find myself mindlessly going through the same apps robotically and I'm sick of it. This is why I read more than I watch tv. Have deleted Facebook off

Whatafielddayfortheheat · 26/12/2022 22:50

Yes me. I'm a SAHM and ashamed to say I look at my phone far too much and the kids hate it.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 26/12/2022 22:50

I'm reading a book called how to break up with your phone. It's good stuff although I listen to the audiobook on my phone. Sandt haven't got to the bit where she tells you how to do it yet. I don't know how I will fall asleep without a podcast to listen to.

Original poster
Newyearnewarse · 27/12/2022 07:51

I like the sound of that book @StrictlyAFemaleFemale , I need all the help I can get.
I have managed to kick the smoking habit many years ago buy this actually seems harder.

OP posts:
TerraNostra · 27/12/2022 07:55

Unfortunately this site is like crack. I do my think that creating a support team on Mumsnet is the way to go. It’s too fast- moving here, always something new to read!

I use an app called Freedom that disables certain sites during hours that you set. Only thing that works for me. Am just about to deactivate it with extended hours…

TerraNostra · 27/12/2022 07:56

Do NOT think

Original poster
Newyearnewarse · 27/12/2022 08:17

Thank you @PumpkinsMum18 I will have a look.

OP posts:
Bulbstarglitterball · 27/12/2022 08:21

Yes, me too. I’ve recently given up Twitter and I’m not on FB too much but could waste hours on instagram and also Mumsnet 🙈 I used to love reading and now it’s all scrolling.

BCBird · 27/12/2022 08:35

My matevsaud to me that I'm always on about Mumsnet. I told her I'm.lonely and it fills the time. Sometimes helps u forget the crap going on. Going away with a different mate soon. Taking a book,plan to.read it. Take care all

Draconis · 27/12/2022 08:37

I'll join. I've got a book from the library that I've renewed 5 times and haven't read.
To read this book before I need to return it (1 week) will be my first goal.

PeonyRose80 · 27/12/2022 08:41

Average time on phone is 6 hrs a day! Considering I work full time and have no time for housework or organising myself- I have a problem…. a very big one 😢

LaLuz7 · 27/12/2022 08:49

You're not alone. I feel utterly disappointed in myself that I've let it get so bad. It's affected my focus and my performance while wfh. I can't even sit through an episode of a TV show without touching my phone.

The only thing that has helped has been installing an app called Lock Me Out where you can define rules to limit your phone usage. You can set time intervals and lists of apps that are to be locked etc

It's brought my daily screen time down to around 4h which is not great in itself but much better than before.

Good luck!

Runningintolife · 27/12/2022 09:30

I am crap at this and trying to do something about it for a while.
I have improved my reading concentration - I usually have a few books on the go so there's some lighter/more serious and one by the sofa, one by the bed etc.
I have now started to also have a book on the kindle app on my phone, so I can be on my phone but not scrolling (to wean myself off addictive sites).
I have also made up a box that I keep by the sofa which has a journal, a colouring book, a sketch pad and some sewing bits (something to do with my hands while tv on, because it doesn't keep my interest).
When I am on Mumsnet or Twitter (which can be very funny or interesting) and I am bored, I try to notice it and tell myself 'this is really boring' while I carry on scrolling, so I can be more aware of the pointless habit.
Another thing I tried for a while was only going on each site once a day - so I would read an online newspaper over breakfast, browse Twitter over lunch and then go on Mumsnet in the evening. Sort of consuming it more mindfully.

Hope to pick up some tips by following here. Its fair to remember that they design it addictive, its not our fault but we can choose how we interact with it, just like any other damaging addiction.

garlicandsapphires · 27/12/2022 09:34

Watching
its awful

PeonyRose80 · 27/12/2022 10:20

@LaLuz7 am exactly the same - really affecting work. I deleted fb and instagram off my phone this am as a start.

FrenchFancie · 27/12/2022 10:27

I’m the same - my screen time use is about 6 hours a day….. that’s dire, think of all the things I could achieve if I just put the phone down!!!

Gruffling · 27/12/2022 10:34

Following.