Because of the 2020 lockdown, I was suddenly always home. I did not have anything to distract me. I was getting restless. My electronics quickly tried to fill that void. It got to a point where I was watching YouTube videos on my tablet during zoom calls for class. My devices were always in my hands. I switched them out to charge them. Essentially, I was addicted to my phone, computer, and tablet.
As much as I hated feeling dependent on my electronics, they provided me with the entertainment and stimulation I was missing from my daily life. I think we have all been there.
Eventually, I decided enough was enough. It was time to detach myself from my addiction! I set myself a time limit for my phone and tablet. I am only allowed to play on them for two and a half hours a day. That might seem like a lot but it includes checking emails and answering messages. To put it into reference, I was spending on average 8 hours a day on my phone beforehand. The time limit allows me to have a little bit of time to play my games without giving me enough time to spend all day on my electronics.
Through this experience, I learned some things about myself and about my electronics that I want to share with you!
Restlessness Gone wild
When I first limited my electronic usage, it felt like I could not sit still. My concentration capabilities were shot. I was practically running up the walls looking for something to fill the void. I was bored, in a way. But the problem was that I was used to continuous stimulation from my phone and tablet. Without them, my brain was seeking desperately to get back some form of distraction.
People might not be aware of this, but electronics can be addictive. They provide you with continuous positive reinforcement. You get reinforced with more content, more videos, etc. When you take that away, your brain is still seeking that reinforcement. The lack of reinforcement made me feel so restless. It was irritating, like an intense itch that you are forced not to scratch.
I would stare at the ceiling for a few minutes then immediately try to find something else to do. I will not lie to you and say it was pleasant. The restlessness was difficult to deal with, but it was worth it in the end.
It is Just a Game
I quickly learn that most of the apps on my phone, that I had spent hours on previously, were not that important to me. When I was constantly on my phone, I would be playing my mobile games, like Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. I would spend hours on it. Or I would be distracting myself with something else, like Pinterest or Facebook.
When you only have a certain amount of time to play on your electronics, you have to choose your priorities. Those games and distractions were not what I wanted to spend my limited time on. As I said, it is just a game. I realized where my priorities lied.
Pursue Other Activities
Because I was so restless, I needed to find something else to do to fill my time.
When I first stopped spending so much time on my electronics, I decided that I wanted to read. So I read a lot! I read 11 books in the next 3 months after I limited my device time. Beforehand, I had been reading maybe one book a month. It really freed up a lot of my time to read. I suddenly felt like I had the time but also the drive to read. Become more invested in reading really was not all that surprising though. I already loved to read.
What really surprised me was my newfound passion for painting. I had not expected to find something else that I loved. Because my time on my devices was so limited, I decided that I wanted to spend my time wisely. The time that I did get to watch YouTube was dedicated to learning new skills, which is how I landed on painting. Suddenly, I wanted to paint in all of my spare time. And because I was so restless, I was more motivated to paint than ever. Below is a picture of one of my first paintings from a few months ago.
I was really proud of my work and it motivated me further to continue painting.
Limiting my time on my phone and my tablet was one of the best things that happened to me. I discover new information about myself and new passions. For this sheer fact, I do not regret limiting my electronic usage.
It Is Not an Immediate Process
If you want to take the same steps in limiting your device time, you need to keep in mind that this is not an immediate process. As much as I would have loved to be able to instantly be happy with less time on my devices, it was a struggle. Like I said before, it was irritating at first. I desperately wanted to play on my phone or watch a YouTube video, but I forced myself not to.
You will most likely find yourself struggling in the same way. However, after some time, it does get easier. You find new and more productive things to do during your free time. You might even find that you enjoy your new activities more than the time you spent on your devices. I know I did!
If limiting your time spent on your electronics is something you want to do too, it is definitely worth it! I found so many new activities that I now love to pursue. It will not be pleasant at first, but the benefits outweigh the difficulties. You get so much more free time and you can find new passions along the way! I highly suggest trying it out to find out more about yourself and your interests!
