Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

CobaltBlue9 t1_j2v8few wrote

Get a tablet or computer to replace your phone for social media, video/movie watching, reddit browsing, etc

Sell your phone or place your SIM in a significantly older phone, or even a flip phone.

You could even download an app that dumbs down your smartphone to only taking calls and texts.

Point is, once you make using your phone unappealing, your brain will be less likely to want your phone.

12

mrburnwal OP t1_j2v8peg wrote

I have Instagram installed only now. I spent all my time scrolling reels or watching Netflix. I am really frustrated with this now. The more I try to avoid it the more i see myself using it.

2

CobaltBlue9 t1_j2v91gt wrote

Another thing that might help is setting your phone to grayscale colors, some Android phones have this built in where you can put this on a schedule. Some people lose interest in using their phone when they lose all of the nice vibrant colors.

I'd also try to fill the urge with something else, a hobby, book reading, anything to distract you.

3

mrburnwal OP t1_j2v95yg wrote

Yes, Now I am trying that. Doesn't seem to work.

1

CobaltBlue9 t1_j2v9yzd wrote

I remember using my old Nexus 4, a 2012 Android phone, in 2021 for a week straight. Would barely use it for anything besides the occasional text and navigation. If I did use it much, the battery would make sure I'd put it down. At first it felt like I was missing a part of me, being able to watch videos and movies and browse the web at any moment, but near the end of the week it felt refreshing and liberating to not be tied to a phone, cursed to check it every so often for notifications.

1

BobbyTables829 t1_j2vd0h2 wrote

Bad habits never go away, they just get replaced with newer and better ones. Phones are very stimulating so it can be hard to quit them, but try replacing it with a book or comics. Maybe buy something like a Nintendo switch or something that provides video excitement without the "social" aspect of a phone? A good single player video game can be a start to getting off there and mixing up your means of entertainment.

If that fails you start smaller and try to quit either Netflix or the reels. But don't beat yourself up too much, this is the same problem 90% of America has. Just so your best. :-)

2