Phone addiction - anyone else?

[DragonTrainor]

I'm sure I'm not the only one and recently I've had more free time than usual which can't be helping. I feel like I'm addicted to my phone and I'm on a loop between checking WhatsApp, emails, Mumsnet active page and I'm On page and repeating it. The only way I stop is if I'm actually doing something or if I put my phone in another room.

Putting my phone in another room (usually on charge upstairs) is probably the best way at the moment.

I'm quite stressed at the moment anyway but I genuinely think it's making me feel really low!

Yes I think I'm at that point too. For me it's a way to escape the stress of interacting with people but it's tipped over into addiction I think. The number of times I just instinctively reach for it when I sit down is scary.

Me too! I deleted Facebook in 2020 when I was homeschooling because I realised how distracted I was by it. I didn't miss it and went through a phase of barely touching my phone. But now, its like whatsapp, email, mumsnet, repeat.

Yes I reach for it, need it near me and with me, if I don't have it I run around looking for it even if it's in the house! Right now I'm watching tv but on my phone as well. It's one thing checking messages and emails but I don't need to check them every 5 minutes. It may be worse as I'm already feeling a bit anxious and stressed but I'm sure the refreshing makes it worse.

I may implement some clear phone breaks this week.

Keeping it in a different room is a good idea. I need to fix my watch so I don't have the excuse of checking the time. I think I need to consciously decide not to use it for a day and see how it goes. Starting a PGCE in September so won't be able to idly check it in school 🤣. I'll be occupied anyway but it might help to break the habit

I am in the same camp! The addiction is very real. Going to put the phone away now and go outside!

Same.

it’s a form of escapism for me.

I have very little “free time”.

im either at work, or looking after my kids. And my kids are exhausting (suspected autism).

They don’t give me peace long enough to do anything like reading a book or anything I need to focus on. They can also be funny about leaving the house so I can’t get out and feel very trapped here with them. My phone is my way of zoning out from them whenever I can snatch a couple of minutes respite.

But I’m aware that it’s gone to far and is probably into addiction.

im always chasing my tail. House is always a mess so ive pretty much just given up on that. But I’m aware that I could have cleared up the lunch dishes in the time I’ve spent writing this.

but I’m just so physically and emotionally drained I can’t face it. Every day I just feel like I’m on a hamster wheel so use this to try and escape.

but it’s not working and it’s not healthy.

I hate it but I have to admit I'm addicted as well. I find it really hard not to keep looking at it. I am conscious of doing it and am trying very hard not to do it around the children. Phones are designed to be addictive. Got a holiday coming up and I'm going to leave it turned off in the villa and spend all day without it. Replacing it with a good book!

This is why some people switch to a brick phone, or have two. Then you can just switch it off.

Yeah me to, constantly on Facebook and here, I don't know why Facebook, I never post on it, nor does anyone I know but I'm on lots of groups so like to see updates.

@Thecomfortador Yes I find it helps if I'm genuinely busy or actively doing something and I feel better for it

That sounds really tough @justtootiredtoday I can relate to a pint as I have a busy job and a young child so there isn't much free time and I tend to claw it back in the evenings and then spend too much time watching tv but I have my phone on as well. I'm not even getting anything out of it half the time.

Sounds good @NotrialNodeal

I watch tv and listen to podcasts and music on my phone. Plus Mumsnet, Google, Instagram email, school, shopping. Literally do everything on it.