I'm addicted to my phone
The other day, I spent 11 hours on my cellphone and normally I do 8 hours. That's a lot! But spending time on my phone is a way to syop feeling bored and empty.
I have anxiety and stress a lot about everything. I overthink and fell guilty for everything and everytime I see how much time I spend on my cellphone, I fell like trash. A literal garbage wasting her life.
I am a minor and I have a parental control on my cell, Kapersky Safe Kids. My parents allowed me to have just 2 hours a day, but recently, the app stopped working and I am scared to the moment my parents are going to see how much time I spend on my cell. It's an addiction I know. Today, I decided to reduce the time I am going to spend by putting myself a control, but when I finally reached the limit, I removed it. I knew it was bad and I can't just stop be on my cell. I don't even have social medias ( except ytb). I don't even have a real reason to be on my phone, my friends stopped texting in the group and text me ( even tho I'm texting them), my games are boring, ytb content is okay, but boring. The only thing that really is important on my phone is Duolingo and it's for school.
So please, does someone have an idea to help me stop stress about my screen time and have an idea to help me reduce it?
@Amethyste08
Hi ! To begin with, kudos to you for realizing this problem and trying to get out of it. You are not rubbish, not at all. This issue happens to a lot of people, and it's not your fault. Phones are made to make us addicted. Lots of people have this concern, myself included. You are not alone <3
I'm no expert, but here are some thoughts that might help :
Do you have or did you have any hobbies ? Maybe you could try spending more time on these activities. It's not easy to just turn off the phone, but it will be easier to trade it for something else that brings you pleasure.
If you don't have hobbies, you could try new ones ! It can be anything simple, drawing, colouring, reading, singing, doing a workout, taking a short walk... Really anything ! The important thing is not the performance, but that you have a good time. :)
It would be nice if you reinstalled the app that limits screen time to 2 hours a day, but I understand that's difficult. You can start gradually, if you spend 8 hours a day on your phone, try to spend 7:30 hours a day, then go down little by little when you reach your goal. Celebrate the small steps and don't overwhelm yourself for the days that are more complicated. These days are normal, they are part of the journey, and you learn from them ! What matters is that you try, and it will eventually work !
As you have expressed having difficulty, feeling empty, overthinking, that sort of thing, maybe listening to music in the background while doing these activities would help ?
For anxiety, I also recommend that you perhaps try some relaxation exercises, I don't know if you know of any, if you don't, tell me, and I'll share some with you. Mindfulness can also be a good way to calm intrusive thoughts and feel more peaceful.
You could also check if your lifestyle habits are healthy, do you sleep well, eat well, drink well, etc...? It can have a big impact on addictions and anxiety.
Also, if you have the possibility and the desire, psychologists can also help you with this kind of problem.
I really hope you feel better soon :)
again like the other poster said knowing it is a problem is the key to fixing
Do not want to sound silly but how bored are you? nothing much on phones without games/ or even reading websites etc that could keep me entertained for more then a few minutes....
i look around when out in public and so many checking their phones ..... do they have something more exciting going on or do they just hope for something to happen .... if your eyes are glued to phone you may be missing out on other things passing by.
@Amethyste08 i'm sorry you are going through this phone addiction. What we practice grows stronger- the best part about that is when we practice GOOD- that goes stronger also. It is never to late to change. Remember that you are stronger than you think! How do you think setting goals and daily activities could help you? Do you have any support with around to help you navigate this problem. You are strong and you could do it! If you need to talk, message me!
