How to Fight Digital Addiction?

We live in a time zone where you see majority are glued to their screens whether at home or in the public.

It can be very tempting especially with how the apps have been designed in such a way that triggers our dopamine release and the good feeling we feel.

Questions that pop into my mind in this context are: What can I do to reduce this? Is this all there is in this precious temporary life? How can I be productive and efficient with reducing the digital addiction on me? If I minimize my digital addiction, how would my real performance and productivity be like? What could happen to my brain process and functions if I reduce this addiction?

This is really the basis before you attempt to do anything. Reflect. Create your why and strong reasons. Understand its impacts on you. Get the big picture. And from there create your actions plans and the steps you would take to manage this type of addiction.

If you ask me: What I do to fight digital addiction, here are some practical steps I take daily.

First, create structured routines for your daily activities where you know you would be totally focused and centred. They can be morning routine, work routine, home and family routine and evening routine. These routines create a structure for you to follow along. They tell you what to do, the tasks that need to be completed for the day, the time slots available for you and so on.

Second, mute all your digital notifications when you are doing your routines. It can be very addictive to grab your phone and see who sent you the text or who called. But when you mute those notifications, you prioritize your tasks and give them high focus and importance.

Third, remind yourself: Everything is ok. All are fine. I am safe and all is well. Triggers like something bad happened, my parent is not well, my son is sick or my spouse is calling. All those are mental triggers that trap you in a mental cage where you can’t help it but answer the phone on the spot and be available anytime people want you. Be aware of that mental trap and trust Allah who is with you, near you, next to you and sees you all the time.

Fourth, remember that important tasks are done by you and only you. If you allow the digital addiction to control your life, you would be like a human robot controlled by our digital devices and complains of the lack of achievement and fulfilment.

Lastly, I hope those tips help you in one way or another. Digital addiction is something we all face in different levels. But when we are aware of its impact on us, we can break free from it and live our life free, centred and focused.