Cold Turkey
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20161220
Cold Turkey
For a while now, I've been debating this. I feel like I'm spending waaaaaaaaaaay too much time on the internet/playing video games lately...up to the point where I feel like it's becoming an addiction.
So, starting January 1st, as a New Year's Resolution, I've decided to go cold turkey, meaning no internet, no video games, no Youtube, no nothing.
How long will I stay offline?
I know I'm going to miss coming online here, and also all the video game time I'll be missing, but it's for my own good I feel.
For the past few months, especially after getting this new computer, I've been almost glued to my chair in front of my screen (when I'm not at work that is ), and all that time online is really screwing with my head. I honestly think all this time online has increased my anxiety and depression, while decreasing my physical and mental health...
There has been days where I just completely freeze up and have no idea what I was doing, my nights have gotten worse for me sleep-wise (either staying up too late online, or waking up from dreams where I'm mashing a keyboard that isn't there), my thoughts are scrambled and usually lead to depressing things (like how I feel I have no life; how I could be doing better things, but instead choose to sit in my room alone; how most people I know are more successful than me because they work harder than I do.... I could go on and on with stuff like this (don't get me started on girl troubles...)), I've got little to no energy anymore, my body feels like it's slowly breaking down at times (like today, where I feel like I didn't do much at work, but I'm just in pain all over...)...
...
...
...I think I've made my point.
I don't think I've ever been this low before. I'm getting to a point where I can't find happiness in a lot of things I used to enjoy (sure, I still laugh at things and have a good time, but by the end of most days, I feel like breaking down and crying...). I also seem to be distancing myself from people I love by being online.
...so many things, all of them caused by my time online...my addiction.
...at least, that's how I feel.
So, I need a break.
...but I hate to go right away, so that's why I'm giving myself to the end of the month to get ready.
Hopefully, by being offline (or not online as much if things get better), I'll be able to do stuff I've been needing to do, like spend more time with my family, get my life better organized, maybe get some things done that I've been putting off for so long (getting my licence, writing/drawing more, etc.), stuff like that.
Heck, maybe I'll just sit down and read a good book more often. I can't remember the last time I did that...
Ugh, going on too long again, but yeah, if you skipped all this:
tl;dr: I need a break from the internet and will be taking an indefinite hiatus from all online activity starting January 1st.
So, starting January 1st, as a New Year's Resolution, I've decided to go cold turkey, meaning no internet, no video games, no Youtube, no nothing.
How long will I stay offline?
I know I'm going to miss coming online here, and also all the video game time I'll be missing, but it's for my own good I feel.
For the past few months, especially after getting this new computer, I've been almost glued to my chair in front of my screen (when I'm not at work that is ), and all that time online is really screwing with my head. I honestly think all this time online has increased my anxiety and depression, while decreasing my physical and mental health...
There has been days where I just completely freeze up and have no idea what I was doing, my nights have gotten worse for me sleep-wise (either staying up too late online, or waking up from dreams where I'm mashing a keyboard that isn't there), my thoughts are scrambled and usually lead to depressing things (like how I feel I have no life; how I could be doing better things, but instead choose to sit in my room alone; how most people I know are more successful than me because they work harder than I do.... I could go on and on with stuff like this (don't get me started on girl troubles...)), I've got little to no energy anymore, my body feels like it's slowly breaking down at times (like today, where I feel like I didn't do much at work, but I'm just in pain all over...)...
...
...
...I think I've made my point.
I don't think I've ever been this low before. I'm getting to a point where I can't find happiness in a lot of things I used to enjoy (sure, I still laugh at things and have a good time, but by the end of most days, I feel like breaking down and crying...). I also seem to be distancing myself from people I love by being online.
...so many things, all of them caused by my time online...my addiction.
...at least, that's how I feel.
So, I need a break.
...but I hate to go right away, so that's why I'm giving myself to the end of the month to get ready.
Hopefully, by being offline (or not online as much if things get better), I'll be able to do stuff I've been needing to do, like spend more time with my family, get my life better organized, maybe get some things done that I've been putting off for so long (getting my licence, writing/drawing more, etc.), stuff like that.
Heck, maybe I'll just sit down and read a good book more often. I can't remember the last time I did that...
Ugh, going on too long again, but yeah, if you skipped all this:
tl;dr: I need a break from the internet and will be taking an indefinite hiatus from all online activity starting January 1st.
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Cold Turkey :: Comments
Re: Cold Turkey
Sucks that things have gotten that bad, but you know your own situation better than I do. I hope to see you come back eventually, and one thing that has helped me is actually setting up a schedule and sticking to it.
When I actually do stick to it I feel better but well... ya know me :P
When I actually do stick to it I feel better but well... ya know me :P
This saddens me, but if this is what you consider best for you, then that's the course should take.
There are some interesting (recent) studies about how strongly addictive "glowing screens" are, so I applaud your initiative to help yourself. Perhaps you could work out a kind of schedule when you come back, one that includes activities outside of the screen, as a guide for yourself. The Pitstop will miss you! (and your activity...)
I wish you the best of luck! I remember that towards the beginning of the year I took a bit of a break, and though it was hard, I definitely think it was worth it.
You want some book recommendations? I recently got Greece into reading The 13th Reality series. They have got to be my favorite 4 books, to be honest. I also really enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society books as well! :)(and I'd always recommend the Book of Mormon hahahaha, but don't feel pressured to read that, just throwing it out there. I need to start rereading it for my mission, I'll get on that today.)
As you've said, Ive always found art as a good break from the hubbub of internet! Just play around, it doesn't have to look good at all! I did some watercolor, which though I'm not good at it, I found relaxing. If you're allowing yourself music (if you have an iPod/MP3 or even some CDs (like me cause I'm a nerd)) I find it more fun to do art while listening to something. I recommend not using headphones or earbuds, use a small speaker or something so you can stay connected to your environment.
I've been going on walks with my mom recently (well, not so much since it's gotten cold) and they've been nice to clear the head and get fresh air! You don't have to walk with someone, but I find its a good way to have some one-on-one conversations which can help bring you closer. It doesn't even need to be personal, you can literally talk about anything. The other day mom and I were talking about natural disasters, like volcanoes and earthquakes. Granted, that led to us talking about ways we don't want to die, but hey it was interesting. And as I said, you don't need to walk with someone. A 30 minute to an hour walk isn't as long as it sounds. It's a good time for reflection away from electronic temptation.
I don't know your family situation, but I think good ways to help out in the family and draw closer to them is in the simple things. Do the dishes, keep the house clean, help out with dinner. A clean house can be calming and help everyone feel less stressed. Cleaning can also be oddly therapeutic if you go into it with the right mindset and not view it as chores. I can always do better with keeping the house clean, especially my half of the room...start small and work your way up! Or start big and then focus on little things! Do whatever you think feels best.
Sorry this got long, but I hope it can be helpful. There will certainly be days where you feel rather empty and bored without being on the Internet, especially in the beginning. Try to keep yourself busy and it should be a bit easier. And I definitely recommend getting into a good book! (13th Reality, I'm serious)
I really hope this doesn't sound preachy either. I'm not a perfect example for this sort of thing, I hardly succeeded in my break at the beginning of the year and I ultimately cut it short. I wish I did this stuff earlier. Good luck, I believe in you!
You want some book recommendations? I recently got Greece into reading The 13th Reality series. They have got to be my favorite 4 books, to be honest. I also really enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society books as well! :)
As you've said, Ive always found art as a good break from the hubbub of internet! Just play around, it doesn't have to look good at all! I did some watercolor, which though I'm not good at it, I found relaxing. If you're allowing yourself music (if you have an iPod/MP3 or even some CDs (like me cause I'm a nerd)) I find it more fun to do art while listening to something. I recommend not using headphones or earbuds, use a small speaker or something so you can stay connected to your environment.
I've been going on walks with my mom recently (well, not so much since it's gotten cold) and they've been nice to clear the head and get fresh air! You don't have to walk with someone, but I find its a good way to have some one-on-one conversations which can help bring you closer. It doesn't even need to be personal, you can literally talk about anything. The other day mom and I were talking about natural disasters, like volcanoes and earthquakes. Granted, that led to us talking about ways we don't want to die, but hey it was interesting. And as I said, you don't need to walk with someone. A 30 minute to an hour walk isn't as long as it sounds. It's a good time for reflection away from electronic temptation.
I don't know your family situation, but I think good ways to help out in the family and draw closer to them is in the simple things. Do the dishes, keep the house clean, help out with dinner. A clean house can be calming and help everyone feel less stressed. Cleaning can also be oddly therapeutic if you go into it with the right mindset and not view it as chores. I can always do better with keeping the house clean, especially my half of the room...start small and work your way up! Or start big and then focus on little things! Do whatever you think feels best.
Sorry this got long, but I hope it can be helpful. There will certainly be days where you feel rather empty and bored without being on the Internet, especially in the beginning. Try to keep yourself busy and it should be a bit easier. And I definitely recommend getting into a good book! (13th Reality, I'm serious)
I really hope this doesn't sound preachy either. I'm not a perfect example for this sort of thing, I hardly succeeded in my break at the beginning of the year and I ultimately cut it short. I wish I did this stuff earlier. Good luck, I believe in you!
A'thank you.Princess wrote:There are some interesting (recent) studies about how strongly addictive "glowing screens" are, so I applaud your initiative to help yourself.
That's my plan, take a good and long break, then, when I feel ready to come back, have a limited schedule, like an hour or so to do something, and maybe even set days for certain things, like anime, video games, Youtube, etc.Perhaps you could work out a kind of schedule when you come back, one that includes activities outside of the screen, as a guide for yourself. The Pitstop will miss you! (and your activity...)
Good to know that I'll be missed.
Good to know! I'll keep those in mind.Burnin' Bunnies wrote:I wish you the best of luck! I remember that towards the beginning of the year I took a bit of a break, and though it was hard, I definitely think it was worth it.
You want some book recommendations? I recently got Greece into reading The 13th Reality series. They have got to be my favorite 4 books, to be honest. I also really enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society books as well! :)(and I'd always recommend the Book of Mormon hahahaha, but don't feel pressured to read that, just throwing it out there. I need to start rereading it for my mission, I'll get on that today.)
Good to know it doesn't have to look good. Seriously though, I definitely want to get back to drawing more, even if it is just casually or playing around a bit. I remember drawing just quick doodles during your streams (and others streams as well), and even thought they didn't turn out perfect, I still liked them and had a good time working on them.As you've said, Ive always found art as a good break from the hubbub of internet! Just play around, it doesn't have to look good at all! I did some watercolor, which though I'm not good at it, I found relaxing. If you're allowing yourself music (if you have an iPod/MP3 or even some CDs (like me cause I'm a nerd)) I find it more fun to do art while listening to something. I recommend not using headphones or earbuds, use a small speaker or something so you can stay connected to your environment.
I agree about the earbuds/headphones, those tend to take me away from reality... I have a few CDs and stuff that I can pull out, plus a radio is always somewhere around our house, so music is literally everywhere here. haha
Probably won't do this right away (since cold weather and brrr...), but I like this idea too. My grandma has mentioned that she'd like to get out and walk more, so maybe when it warms up a bit, a nice walk with her will help out too. :)I've been going on walks with my mom recently (well, not so much since it's gotten cold) and they've been nice to clear the head and get fresh air! You don't have to walk with someone, but I find its a good way to have some one-on-one conversations which can help bring you closer. It doesn't even need to be personal, you can literally talk about anything. The other day mom and I were talking about natural disasters, like volcanoes and earthquakes. Granted, that led to us talking about ways we don't want to die, but hey it was interesting. And as I said, you don't need to walk with someone. A 30 minute to an hour walk isn't as long as it sounds. It's a good time for reflection away from electronic temptation.
Mainly, the biggest issue I've had is just either rushing back to whatever game I was playing and/or outright ignoring someone. My aunt had called the other night and wanted to talk to me, but I was in the middle of a video game, so I kind of rushed through what she was wanting to talk to me about, which made her feel a bit sad... So yeah, not a good thing making your family sad because you'd rather spend time playing a video game than being with them/talking to them.I don't know your family situation, but I think good ways to help out in the family and draw closer to them is in the simple things. Do the dishes, keep the house clean, help out with dinner. A clean house can be calming and help everyone feel less stressed. Cleaning can also be oddly therapeutic if you go into it with the right mindset and not view it as chores. I can always do better with keeping the house clean, especially my half of the room...start small and work your way up! Or start big and then focus on little things! Do whatever you think feels best.
And I definitely could help out a lot more around our house/land. I know my uncle does most of the outside work, and I'm sure he could use more help now and then (especially during the summer when the yard needs mowing...), and my grandma is always wanting to clean up more and get stuff done around the house, so yeah, less time online means more time to help out.
...just need to keep the "not a chore" thing out of my head...
You're fine! This was really helpful! I will keep all that in mind. :)Sorry this got long, but I hope it can be helpful. There will certainly be days where you feel rather empty and bored without being on the Internet, especially in the beginning. Try to keep yourself busy and it should be a bit easier. And I definitely recommend getting into a good book! (13th Reality, I'm serious)
Naaaaaaaaah. Not at all! You're actually an inspiration for me, so thank you! :)I really hope this doesn't sound preachy either. I'm not a perfect example for this sort of thing, I hardly succeeded in my break at the beginning of the year and I ultimately cut it short. I wish I did this stuff earlier. Good luck, I believe in you!
As you stay away from the internet in this long, lonely month, let you remember me by these words:
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiint
No, but serious, jo. Gonna miss you, but whatever you gotta do.
...probably should do this myself, but I'm too far gone...
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiint
No, but serious, jo. Gonna miss you, but whatever you gotta do.
...probably should do this myself, but I'm too far gone...
I'll miss you, but sometimes you really do need breaks from things you do. I try to take breaks when I think I'm obsessing over something, and try to go a week with out initiating content over it.
Though this is much different then that, every one needs a break.
I love you and I'll keep on praying for you.
Though this is much different then that, every one needs a break.
I love you and I'll keep on praying for you.
I'll miss you too Greece...Greece wrote:I'll miss you, but sometimes you really do need breaks from things you do. I try to take breaks when I think I'm obsessing over something, and try to go a week with out initiating content over it.
Though this is much different then that, every one needs a break.
I love you and I'll keep on praying for you.
Love you too, and thank you! I definitely need those prayers.
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