Digital Detox Challenge

I have to come clean with some habits and admit the existence of some addictions.

One of the addictions is the internet. The appeal to go on YouTube to get some entertainment can be very strong, thus undermining my productivity when I give in (which I do a lot). The problem with the addictive nature is that it is such a waste of time. We are digitally connected yet we are losing touch with reality. We have to give our brain back what it naturally deserves, not only by quitting porn but by limiting our exposure to screens in general.

In previous exam periods, I used to switch to an old Nokia in order to increase my focus. In addition to that, I blocked the sites on my computer that waste most of my time (YouTube, Reddit, Twitter). I must say that I always felt more clear after a few weeks of deprivation of these digital stimuli. I want to regain that elevated state of clarity again.

Now I'm not going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I know that this forum is not 'dopamine free' as it also has a notification system that is pretty addictive. But this forum is a useful tool to keep myself accountable for certain resolutions concerning lifestyle changes (e.g. meditation).

System

- I'm going to block certain sites that waste my time on my computer: YouTube, Twitter, Reddit and some news sites. I use the 'hosts file' method which I find very effective
- when it comes to my smartphone, I will have to rely on discipline. I don't have social media anymore so that's no problem. I only use WhatsApp for communication (which is also addictive, but nonetheless)
- I will only visit this forum after 6 pm
- I can watch TV shows (which I won't do during the day)
- I will update this thread on the daily to tell if I succeeded in abstaining from the digital entertainment. I will also share my findings, etc.

The goal here is to get more time on my hands so I can shift it towards more productive endeavors (reading, doing chores instead of putting it off, etc.). Like most threads in the self-improvement section, this is meant to keep myself accountable and inspire other guys to question their own usage of certain digital tools. In other words, feel free to embark the challenge.

 

Day 1:

Didn't go on my typical 'time wasting' websites (YouTube etc.) and I already felt more productive today. Got different chores done, made a nice soup, went outside, read a bit, etc.

I did notice the urge to go on these sites for the dopamine fix but I was able to ignore it. I subconsciously opened this forum before 6pm, saw the notifications, but was able to close it again (this shows how the brain can trick you into pursuing activities that give you an easy dopamine reward).

I'm also going to limit the time frame I will spend on this forum. I will just use it to post in some of the accountability/challenge threads but won't spend too much time waiting on a reaction etc. I want to experience life more within the framework of reality itself, not behind a screen.

Thanks for the input. I did make a to do list today. I didn't went through it all yet, but it definitely helps keeping you busy. You are right, it is more effective to mitigate the bad habits if you replace them with new ones. And it all starts by articulating the things you want to do instead so it is easier to pursue them.

 

Day 2:

Abstained from the time wasters but still spend too much time on the internet in my opinion. Spend time on Spotify and reading some health articles (which also is a form of mental masturbation) but it is still better than usual. Had a strong urge to visit this forum but looks like I can manage it. My productivity wasn't what it should be.

 

I admit that I have been negligent for the last 7+ days concerning the Digital Detox. Lots of screen time, of which a good chunk is dedicated to mindless entertainment. From tomorrow on, I will be more conscious about my screen time and block out some sites again whilst keeping this log so I can keep myself accountable.

It's a pleasure to hear man. How do you track your time spent on your computer?

 

Day 1:

Didn't go on Twitter. I did spend time on the computer but it mainly concerned some reading on another forum. I'm still on YouTube as I play piano and there are some good piano lessons on it. I will have to keep an eye open in order to avoid the rabbit hole. I also went on this forum before 6 pm. There is room for improvement.

 

Day 2:

Not much screen time today. I didn't track it but I didn't go on Twitter/Reddit/news sites. Spent a bit time on YouTube but didn't indulge much.

I also did 3 Pomodoro's of reading today. It's a productivity technique where you focus on a certain task for 25 minutes (no distraction) followed by a 5 minute break. Rinse and repeat. Maybe I'll start a separate thread for this. It's good for studying and disciplining yourself into a more productive lifestyle.

Good job, A6. It's indeed better to abstain from the time wasters completely, especially if you have problems with moderation (like myself). One little look at Twitter would lead to a rabbit hole where I would check the account of everyone I would usually follow to get that dopamine hit of the novelty of what they posted (which is usually political and makes me cynical).

 

Day 3-4:

'Entertaining' screen time is definitely reducing. I still could be a bit more productive.

My advice is to, surprisingly, relax.

It sounds like you are doing fine but you have too high expectations of yourself which are always unmet which leads to anxiety. Being too obsessed with your own smartphone addiction or lack of productivity is a bad game to play as it's a game you'll always lose.

I think you are doing okay in improving your life and you are taking efforts to study, so your alleged laziness doesn't really sound like a fatal illness in my opinion.

Just relax and just keep doing the things you are already doing: set a schedule to do things and keep yourself to that schedule. There is no need to drastically change your life upside down. These new simple habits will have the wished compound effect in the long run.