15 years of internet and computer games
Hi. I'm Vara and I have been struggling with getting off online for years since I was ten. I try to do offline activities but it doesn't seem to get rid of the itch to be online. I mostly go on YouTube and other websites. I normally chat with others online but barely talk to people in real life because of my social anxiety. I need help as I am confused on what to do to be normal again. I wasn't always on the computer or phone. Before I was ten, I had a social life, I would hang out with people, go outside without anybody telling me to do so. If there is any tips or books or whatever I can get my hands on to stop this madness, I would gladly appreciate it. I had hobbies but I don't do them anymore. When I am offline, I spend most of my time in bed and not doing productive activities.
Thanks.
@VaraMoon
One possible strategy is to first learn mini habits, and tiny habits.
You can find links to resources on my profile page.
@7motivation
Hi!
Thank you!
@VaraMoon Any clarification on your level of education? I wouldn't necessarily want to suggest a minimum/near minimum wage job to someone who has an especially easy time going further. If you are seriously willing to put in a grueling effort and have the means (no physically limiting disability) I would recommend a minimum wage esque job to get you back on your feet when it comes to social interaction and breaking the internet and device use habits. It will be very hard and you'll want to quit. - A suggestion from the Eight Man Empire.
@VaraMoon
hi Vara!
I go through that too... one of the things I found that helped me was to have one day a week or one day a month or just a few hours a week - whatever you can start with - to be free of internet and apps and games. Then... to look at it not like a punishment (I am losing my electronic time) but instead as a treat (I am gaining this time). it helps if you make a list of stuff you could do with extra time like a spa day, or try baking, or reading a book, or doing a jigsaw puzzle, being in nature whatever. and for that period of time see it as a treat for yourself. I actually started off with some young adult books because they are usually shorter reads and would just read a few pages for maybe a half hour a day... then i built up from there...
@salisbury49
I forgot to add... the Pomodoro technique can help too... sometimes I choose to watch tv shows or movies with commercials in them... during the commercials I run around and tons of housework then return to the show and do more housework next commercial...
Hey there. I see. I've tried hiding my phone and that seems to work for me. Never done the pomodoro technique before but I have used a timer.@salisbury49 I'm thinking if I had aquintances or friends to hang out with all the time then I wouldn't want to be on the Internet so much because whenever I'm invited to go somewhere with people, I'm willing to go! So yeah. That's what I just realized. :o
I would usually read especially with audiobooks. I tend to get bored quickly doing activities without the Internet or computer but I appreciate the tips. :D@salisbury49