Technology and phone addiction is making me a lazy unmotivated blimp

[Ohnoohdear]

I’ve had this problem for many years. I go from one screen to another throughout my day (Netflix/YT/Insta/Reddit) and don’t progress mentally or physically. My house is a mess and things apart from the bare minimum are left un-dealt with because I’m exhausted mentally.

I try my very best to stay off screens when I’m with my toddler (2.5 years) and stick with it when he’s napping/night time. I don’t want him seeing me constantly on my phone. It does mean that most of my own time is consumed and it’s depressing but so hard to stop. (Don’t worry, my son’s needs are taken care of and he’s well looked after by me, my partner and grandparents. We do a lot of activities with him).

Can anyone relate? Have you done anything that helps this problem? I don’t want to be a zombie anymore.

I had an epiphany last year when I realised I’d spent the best part of 25 years tied to an internet connection. In fact before fb changed its algorithm and it got “so big”, I used to make sure (!) I’d scrolled back enough not to have missed a single thing.

I deleted all these apps off my phone and now log on to fb 2/3 times a week for a few minutes at a time. Read any notifications and spend 30 seconds scrolling.

it had to be a conscious decision because the infinite scroll of doom is very real - in fact I know when I spend too much time here on MN, my mental health takes a dive.

I now listen to a lot more podcasts/audiobooks which I find much less stressful - ie there’s a journey rather than constant stimulation - and of course I can do other things to. Eg listen to a podcast when I’m hanging out the washing/batch cooking/cleaning whatever. It also makes those fucking mundane domestic chores a whole lot more enjoyable too. 😂

I should add. I feel a lot calmer and more connected to the world I inhabit rather than watching a never-ending overly-stimulating reality show designed to be addictive!

my real friends have my phone number and email address.

I think it's a problem a lot of us have and are conflicted about breaking it. I don't have a clever solution but you're definitely not alone.

Marking my spot.
I check my phone as soon as I get up to the point that I am hungry/need a wee and yet here I am.
I am also late to work because I have to put on a YouTube video fir showering and getting ready, then link it in the car to listen to something driving to work, etc.
i also play a few games 🙄
I really need to reduce the hours I spend on it.

Maybe you have undiagnosed ADHD?

@StickyFingeredWeeNed

Well done you for being proactive and doing something about it! I have tried to delete apps but end up re downloading them when I get “that itch” or looking through my photos or even working random stuff out on my calculator. (Honestly, it’s ridiculous, it’s like I’m trying to run away from something).

I find that it’s cold turkey or nothing. I’ve managed maybe 5 days with a 1 hr limit before and headspace changed dramatically for the better.

I’m actually thinking of getting professional help because when your screen time (on various platforms) is 6+ hrs a day, that’s a lot of wasted time.

@orchidsunrise although I feel for you and everyone that is suffering from it - it makes me feel less alone knowing that it’s not just me.

@Kione

I can totally relate, constant video distraction when I’m doing anything! Can’t be good for your brain to be so busy all the time. No wonder mindfulness and meditation is so big lately!

@BertieBotts

it has crossed my mind before actually. If/when I get help I’ll bring it up.

Oh crap this is me.
Read this and just now deleted wordle and semantle as that adds to the screen time.

i should do some housework/ exercise then an equal amount of screen time- as a treat maybe?

@Rummikub

good idea! I think a general awareness helps to cut down screen time.. might make up a schedule!

Yep me too. I realised I need constant input. I've started listening to audiobooks and podcasts while I clean and cook so that helps.
I tell my dcs to read before bed and take their phones away so I started doing that myself too.

It all helps.

Try Flora app. I know... it sounds like it defeats the purpose haha but basically you grow your own virtual garden by planting trees / flowers and you can't use your phone while they're growing.

So set a timer for 30mins, plant the seed, then go and do something for those 30 mins. If you try to use your phone the flower dies. Which has absolutely no consequences (unless you set it to charge you £X which I don't) but I think it's all in the mind and it does help to break the cycle.

I'm about to set one now and clean my kitchen 🤣 if you have a newer iphone you can have your garden as a widget on your homescreen as a nice reminder.

Hth

I am downloading this! Thanks!

You said "it's like I'm running away from something" and maybe it would be also good to look into what that might be, and also find out what your triggers are.

Yes I definitely use my phone/ iPad too much and I definitely have become less sociable!!
I can really see why younger people struggle to go screen free!