Screen time can feel all-consuming. But there are ways to combat it. Guardian readers explain the rules, hobbies and habits that help them maintain healthy lives offline

‘I deleted my Twitter account’: eight readers on how they avoid digital burnout

Screen time can feel all-consuming. But there are ways to combat it. Guardian readers explain the rules, hobbies and habits that help them maintain healthy lives offline

  • I accidentally left my phone on Do Not Disturb – it was bliss!
  • I listen to podcasts while cleaning or knitting
  • I deleted my Twitter and Instagram accounts’
  • Leaving home without my phone feels almost mind-altering
  • My friend and I compare weekly screen time reports
  • Years ago, I began to phase out screens at home
  • I don’t take my phone into the bedroom
  • People buy me jigsaws for birthdays and Christmas
  • sparklecherry@geddit.socialEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Went on a 16 day screen fast years ago and felt great afterwards. Had the energy to do things and focus. I still got addicted to the internet again, however over the years the enticement it once had is nearly gone.

    • use Reddit for hobby related questions passively.
    • use Tumblr passively to look at art a few times a month.
    • use nitter passively a few times a month for artists and streamers and indie companies.
    • use some forums passively also a few times a month.
    • got rid of twitch because it got boring and hasn’t improved since I got rid of it.
    • YouTube is the biggest sucker but my watch time is probably 2-3 hours compared to 14hrs a few years ago. Noticed that people are posting even less and most stuff I see is from 1 week–1 month-1 year ago. Actively staying off to get rid of the left over addiction and have an rss feed for any important stuff.
    • I started Mastodon and Lemmy last month. I use it everyday for less than an hour and post sporadically.