This article was co-authored by Wes Pinkston
. Wes Pinkston is a Certified Holistic Life Coach and the Founder of Wes Pinkston Life Coaching. With more than five years of experience, he specializes in helping people achieve greater fulfillment and understand their full potential. He received his Holistic Lifestyle Coach Certification from The CHEK Institute.
This article has been viewed 50,458 times.
If you're reading this article, your probability wondering, "How am I supposed to stop using my electronics?" If you're tethered to your cell phone (iPhone, Samsung, Android), iPad, laptop/computer, television, video games, or other electronic devices, you can break the addiction. But, it takes courage to admit that you have an addiction. [1] X Research source Reading this article is your first step to finding that relief.
Steps
-
Reflect on how the device has impacted your life negatively. This can be done by making a list of what opportunities you missed because of the amount of time and energy you extended on the electronic device. [2] X Research source
- Making a list helps you to realize the amount of time that you have spend on the electronic device; this allows you to realize how much time and energy you have extended onto the electronic device(s). It is by understanding this that will help to motivate you to come up with a plan to replace the energy and time that you have wasted on the electronic device and to use the time and energy more productively to get other things done.
-
If you need to go "cold turkey," then the limits are simple. However, chances are you'll need to use some electronics in life, especially for work or school, so quitting altogether isn't an option. Assuming you're going to keep using some such devices, decide on a daily limit.
- You can base your limit on time used on particular devices, or on which tasks you're going to let yourself do. For example, you might decide only to use the computer for one hour a day, or you might decide only to use it on homework or workplace tasks, but not for any recreational activities.
-
Seeing something set as a list of rules or a schedule in front of you can help you stick to it. Putting it in writing confirms your plan. [3] X Research source You might also share it with a friend or loved one who can hold you accountable for sticking to it.
-
Allow yourself the allotted electronic use, without guilt, but stick to your rules. When you hit your limits, move on to something else and stay away from the electronics in question.
- If you have set time limits for yourself, consider using timers and alarm clocks to help you stick to them. Otherwise, you might lose track of time and unintentionally break your new rules. [4] X Research source
- It might help you avoid temptation to actually physically remove the electronics from your view. Ask a parent, roommate, or friend to keep your gaming system or tablet away from you until your next time for use. Alternatively, remove the power chords and any batteries and stow them out of sight, where you'd have to actively go and get them in order to break your plan.
-
Do alternative activities to fill your time. There are plenty of non-electronic activities you can pursue in life!
- Try hanging with your loved ones. Your family is your first priority, before electronics. Go see your parents; parents are good company usually. Or, see that movie you've been dying to see with your friends, or go out and have fun at the clubs!
- Work out! Try a gym, or even at-home workouts. There are many workouts out there that are fun and easy, this will distract you.
- Get a job . Some jobs may be boring, but then you have time to kill. You don't need some fancy job if you're a teen; work somewhere simple and interesting. Plus, it can get you college money.
- Read a book. You may be surprised how engaging a great storyline or interesting nonfiction piece can be.
- If all else fails, try a vacation. Go to the beach or some place you have always wanted to go to.
-
Setting limits and sticking to them is key to overcoming your electronic overuse. However, you're only human, and the whole world uses electronics on a daily basis these days. Do what you feel is right for you, but don't beat yourself up about a regular amount of screen time. [5] X Research source
- If you really feel you have an addiction that is interfering with your relationships and responsibilities, consider seeking help. There are therapists who specialize in addictions of all kinds, as well as in-person and online support groups (as ironic as it sounds to attend an online support group for an addiction to electronics, these groups can still help you through such an addiction, depending on what kind of electronics you're addicted to).
Expert Q&A
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- A little electronic time daily isn't bad. The key is to set yourself some limits and stick to them.Thanks
- Remember, you can still use the electronics, but don't go to play a game too much. About an hour is good.Thanks
You Might Also Like
References
- ↑ https://rightturnimpact.com/first-step/
- ↑ https://www.govexec.com/management/2019/11/how-tell-if-your-digital-addiction-ruining-your-life/161553/
- ↑ https://www.newtechnorthwest.com/the-psychology-of-writing-down-goals/
- ↑ https://interestingengineering.com/11-easy-ways-to-reduce-your-screen-time
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1529-1006.2004.00018.x
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
-
Teresa Thomas
Aug 4, 2022
"Thank you for this informative information. I find, I'm always, on my electronics. Whether it be my computer, as I am right now, or my cell phone. I can't seem to break away from either one of them. I believe, I'm on my phone more than the computer." ..." more
Did this article help you?
Teresa Thomas
Aug 4, 2022
Sydny Paige
May 4, 2018