Making the Internet My Accountability Partner

Featured Photo by Chris Yang on Unsplash

A few weeks ago, I posted my intention to decrease my social media use. Thankfully after deleting many social media apps from my phone I have significantly decreased my social media use. However my overall screen time has not changed much. Around the time that I downloaded an app called Forest that is intended to help you focus by blocking access to most of your phone features. I have only used that three times since downloading it.

I have found myself obsessively checking/playing the games that I have on my phone to the detriment of my satisfaction with my day. Again I have found myself internally wanting to do something else, another hobby, journaling, exercising etc., but unable to leave the trap of my phone. Again part of it is that I struggle with sitting with my thoughts and not having immediate distractions. As a result, my mental health has not changed much. Thankfully I have noticed that I have an easier time putting the phone down when going to bed, so I have been sleeping better.

So what are my next steps now? I wish it were easy. I wish I had a simple few steps plan to overall wellness. But the reality is that this will likely be a lifelong struggle for balance. My first plan is to start putting my phone somewhere inaccessible at least for the overnight portion. I tend to spend the vast majority of my morning on my phone even though it makes me feel worse than anything else I could be doing. Making my phone inaccessible for at least that first hour will give me a chance to start my day off the way that I want to. Additionally, by putting my phone away starting around 9pm I can ensure that I spend my evenings winding down in a way that maximizes my rest and quality of sleep.

Another thing that may be helpful for me is to re-engage with some of my self-help books. For some reason these books (or podcasts if needed) are the pep talk I need to put effort into my self care routine. Having these on deck to remind me of why I’m putting in so much effort to changing my habits could be really useful.

However, that’s where my ideas end. I welcome any suggestions on how I can find and maintain a healthy balance with my phone. My laptop/tv time will be another matter for a much later date.