If you’re reading this article, your probability wondering, “How am I supposed to stop using my electronics devices specially smartphone?” 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.
Decide on your limits:
If you need for some reason to go “cold turkey” and quit using one or more electronic devices for good, 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.
Brainstorm what the addiction is doing to your life:
Once you are able to identify the electrical device(s) that you want to stop using, you should 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 and start focussing on the other things.
Follow your plan:
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.
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.
Find 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.
Don’ be too hard on yourself:
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. If you really feel you have an addiction that is interfering with your relationships and responsibilities, consider seeking help.