Internet addiction is a real problem, one that is often overlooked in addiction counseling programs. Social media, online video sites, forums, discussion boards, and the like are all a potential source of addiction. If your time online is interfering with your life as a whole, these tips will help you step away from the computer.
Identify The Most Addictive Element Of The Internet
In most cases, the internet itself is not a problem – it’s a specific website or set of websites that are addictive. For instance, you may find yourself going on Facebook or YouTube at work, even though it is against company policy. You may also be addicted to a photo or story sharing site, like Reddit or Imgur. Whatever the case may be, you need to know what is triggering your internet addiction. That is the only way to recover from it.
Block Those Websites On Select Devices
Once you know which websites you are most addicted to, block them on certain devices. For example, you may delete the Facebook app from your phone and block the site on your work computer. Then the only way you can access Facebook is from your home computer. You may need to block them altogether, depending on how significant your addiction is. You can slowly incorporate them back into your life once the addiction subsides.
Schedule Your Internet Time
Instead of going online “whenever,” create a schedule for yourself. Only get on the internet for 30 minutes in the morning and an hour at night, well before your bedtime. If need be, you can set a timer for yourself to remind you when to get off the internet. Once your time is up, find a different task to occupy your mind.
Find New Ways To Socialize
One of the biggest driving factors of internet addiction is the desire to socialize. Believe it or not, you can do that without going online! Find a club or organization to get involved with, and start interacting with people in person. The modern age is filled with addictive electronics that pull our attention away from reality. You may be surprised by how little you crave the internet once you find a suitable substitute for your attention.
Work With An Addiction Counselor
If your internet addiction has affected your personal relationships or your productivity at work, you may need help from a professional addiction counselor. Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers in Michigan has several specialists on hand to help you with social media addiction, gambling addiction, internet porn addiction, and much more. Give us a call to set up a consultation, and we will help you achieve a better quality of life.