“I’m not into digital addiction. Wait OMG. What’s wrong with the WiFi here?” – Does it sound like a Deja Vu to you?

 

There was a term a while back that said how addicting video games & digital entertainment were. Now times have changed. Regardless of age, everyone has developed a digital addiction to the current available devices. Technological advancements allow for the monthly release of many new smartphones. With online shopping, the weekly availability of dozens of sales is also a reality.

 

As I sit here in India, thinking about what’s going on in the United States or the United Kingdom. Everyone is talking about GTA IV or Squid Games, which you’ve not yet heard of. Thank goodness you’re in India; all this viral news is moving at a snail’s pace. I guarantee that half of the community would have become addicts if we were in sync with the US market.

 

Anyway, I had to take the electric train (my car was in service) yesterday to get to my friend’s house. It was interesting to see that there were around 80 individuals waiting for the train. Yet none of them were talking to each other. Looks on their faces told me that every single one of them had some crucial task on their five-inch screens.

 

I decided not to engage in conversation with my next-in-line person since, well, it was my wife. For that reason, I’ve chosen to pen a piece about addiction and recovery. (Yet, reliable information required five hours of computer/phone use.)

 

Like you, I struggled with digital addiction until a few years ago. Then I finally managed to pull myself away from the internet and start living in the real world. Addiction was different when I was a kid, and there weren’t nearly as many options as there are now (e.g., cheats, upgrades, expansion, availability, etc.). It’s quite challenging in today’s wide digital realm.

 

So, if you want to beat addiction, here are some solid steps that helped me a lot:

 

Tip #1: Admit it first—digital addiction is for real

Understanding your addiction and its true impact on your life is the first step. Although you may only be wasting 3, 4, or 5 hours, those could very well be the most productive hours of your life.

 

During your digital addiction, this is what happens to you. Your body is getting worse; you’re spending less time with friends & family. You are losing your attractiveness to other people. To fight it out, first acknowledge it. Then put honest effort into writing down the benefits of investing those addictive hours on a piece of paper. What I found in my entry was only one: pleasure. I doubt you may have anything else than this.

 

Be wary, for temporary happiness often comes at the cost of permanent discontent.

 

Tip #2: Establish daily objectives.

It is well known that addiction prevents you from getting things done. It only eats up your productive time. The time spent on the digital front is in direct proportion to the level of damage.

 

Every day, make a list of the tasks you wish to do. Things that are verbs. Like going to the gym, walking, reading, or housekeeping work. Also, meeting new people and trying out a new hobby are all possibilities. Everything is possible…

 

What you write and the amount of time you devote to these new activities will give you a fair idea. The idea of the harm your addiction caused.

 

Tip #3: Look at your colleagues who do not have digital addiction.

While this is relevant to everyone, it’s intended for the younger demographic. Look around at others your age and try to figure out what they’re doing that gets the most done. Typical responses from you would be:

• Certifying or preparing for a major test
• Developing their leadership and interpersonal abilities
• Travelling, adventure sports, and other outdoor pursuits
• Having fun with their loved ones.
• Having a good time and going out.
• Creating a path for their future.

 

Check out what you’re missing out on by glued to your screen the entire time.

 

Tip #4: Establish regular hours.

I’m not advocating complete abstinence from technology. I’m saying that you do need downtime to recharge and have fun. Everyone loves to unwind at the end of the day by watching something on TV. Actually, that’s when I’m most relaxed, too.

 

There is no shortage of time in the day; let us get everything done and then unwind. Spare at least one to two hours each day for your digital pursuits. Doing nothing but work will also hurt you in the long run. If you want to beat your addiction, this is my trusted go-to method.

 

Tip #5: Take Action against digital addiction

You must find a substitute for your addiction. Cutting down on social media, gaming, or WhatsApp won’t help you do anything. Without an alternative, all you’ll then do is sit and waste the time.

 

The operative term here is replace. Instead of engaging in sedentary activity, attempt to engage in an activity. Like one of your daily target activities (Tip #2). Doing so will make it less likely that you will relapse into your addiction. Put an end to your urge for sedentary pleasure by getting out and engaging in some active pursuits.

 

Tip #6: Move devices to unpleasant areas.

Try to come up with some creative ideas to get distance between you and the devices. Shifting the player to an uncomfortable area helps you a lot. It would reduce the likelihood of you sitting and viewing movies or serials. Put these electronic devices in a crowded, awkward space with uncomfortable seats.

 

This is effective, and it provides married guys with an excuse to avoid cleaning it.

 

Tip #7: Make a Sale.

Sell it if you can! Get rid of the time-stealing device if you’re brave enough. When it comes to the phone, remove the apps that are a big distraction. It’s a better idea to downgrade your phone to a lower version that doesn’t support most games and apps. The idea I’m presenting is to not have a working model of the item at your fingertips.

 

Put that extra time and money into something else, like buying a bike, joining a gym, or taking a trip. Take a step that will benefit you (put money into yourself)

 

Tip #8: Factors influencing your level of happiness.

The objectives you’ve outlined (Tip #2) need a large investment of time to put into action. Even if you don’t end up reaching your goal, you’ll still feel good about yourself. It’s because you’re making progress. Reaching the goal would be a multiplicative blessing. While getting there is rewarding in and of itself.

 

Bear in mind the joy you’ll have upon reaching your goal, and you won’t want to set it aside.

 

Read no farther; the time has come to take action. Take charge of your life; make it happier!