Addicted to phone/tech anyone?

[Helptonight]

I am going to keep it simple, I am completely addicted to my phone. I really don't post anything - I am a lurker on all social media apps not looking for likes replies etc... I don't shop very much, normal amount of texting/whatsapping I would say but I literally spend hours a day scrolling/watching youtube or listening to music and I look forward to going to bed so I can do the same, sometimes up til early hours just looking at total nonsense. This way predates lockdown, I have always been the same with tv then internet followed by the phone. I find myself googling random things constantly, anything that pops in to my head and then go off down the rabbit hole! I am not the most social person, the lockdown has been relieved me of a lot of anxiety about meet ups/events etc... It's not normal to spend hours day after day just glued to a phone is it? Any suggestions? Is there anyone else on here that is like this?

Lol you are so right, I stopped posting myself on socials a few years ago but like looking at posts (friends and fam pics etc...) i never comment tho as I don't really want to interact - is that weird? I do post in private chats

@Smurfsarethefuture good tip. I am a total fruit machine junkie - keep refreshing until i hit the jackpot

Me too!
The thing that worked for me once (and I need to do again) is starting the day without my phone on me. So putting it on the side rather than in my pocket and wearing a watch so I don’t need it for the time.

It’s hard though. I stay up way to late looking at crap and feel rubbish the next day. It really does impact quality of life!!

I had to find a new highly absorbing hobby to take me away from my screen. For me it is sewing. You really have to concentrate so it is great!

@AIMD and not check the news app first thing?

Me too. My 9 yr old has just got my old phone, no SIM it's just for games and he's already on it too much and I tell him to put it down but am a total hypocrite!

@cheeseisthebest wow this in spades for me too

I'm the same op. I have always had the need to escape or 'zone out'. I grew up without a telly so my escapes of choice were daydreaming, books, music and magazines. Unfortunately when I got my first iPad all that disappeared and I began to scroll endlessly.

I have always had depression and anxiety to a certain extent but over this last lockdown it has got really bad. I am sure that my inactivity and scrolling have contributed massively. I started taking anti-depressants a month ago and on the same day deleted Twitter. Today I deleted Facebook and Instagram. The only thing left is Mumsnet and I think that will be going next!

@HoxtonBonnet Well done that's awesome. I know I have to rip the band aid as well...still up watching youtube now ffs

I think I'm getting carpal tunnel syndrome from using my phone. My screen timer says my daily average is around 7 hours. It's honestly ruining my life.

I have set boundaries since wfh. Always leave the phone at home when going shopping (it's walking distance) and for my daily walk. Have taken to leaving it in the dining room when going to bed, so stops looking at things in the night.

Something to consider?

Me too. I used to love reading books but not managed to read one for years as I’ll just pick up my phone instead. I keep thinking about deleting Facebook but the groups are really useful. Also my eyes have definitely deteriorated. Desperately need tips for cutting down.

I'm addicted to my phonr and its a work in progress. I use an app called appblock and you can set time limits on apps. I've set 2hours for the Internet, this is what's helped me the most. Also I deleted instagram as great as it is, it's such a rabbit hole and I would use it for hours. I do what a pp said and leave my phone in another room and leave it at home when I can. I have alexa in my living room and bedroom if I want to listen to music. I also wear a watch so I avoid picking my phone up. I'm still working on it as I feel like I'm missing out on something interesting without my phone, when really I'm not and my hand/arm would hurt too because of holding the phone too much.

I have found my people and Hoxtonbonnet that is so positive , I am impressed! I hope it feels liberating somehow.
I’ve had a better day as my nights without a phone are slowly getting easier and I’m learning to sleep again although still wake in the night and find it hard, but each time it gets shorter .
We’ve been outside doing things all day and now just relaxing for first time