Although almost everyone surfs the internet these days, there is a fine line between occasionally checking your social media profiles and having a real internet addiction. If you find that you have lost interest in other aspects of life because you prefer to browse the internet, you may have developed an internet addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome your addiction and stop living in front of the computer.
Steps
Step 1. Admit you have an addiction
Understand that you have an internet addiction, and that you will gain nothing from denying the truth.
Step 2. Understand that more and more people around the world are becoming addicted to the internet
You are not the only one with this problem, it is becoming more and more common and known. Don't be embarrassed, find other people with the same problem and help each other overcome it.
Step 3. Find a hobby or interest that doesn't involve using the internet, video games, TV, cell phones, smartphones, portable media players or computers
Play sports, join a team or club, participate in your church community, passionate about music, dance, singing etc. Go for a run with a friend or train in some other way. Go to bed early and sleep well. Learn about local events in your community. You could attend lectures, concerts, plays, sporting events, and book presentations. Find something that interests you and isn't on the internet, and get involved.
Step 4. Complete your studies
If you are a student, do your homework and study. You should do them as soon as you get home. You will feel great knowing that you have finished your homework early. Read books or research the library instead of looking for information on Wikipedia. Teachers will prefer it. Study what was explained at school that day, even if there are no homework or questions the next day.
Step 5. Help with meals
Your parents will be happier if you help them with dinner or clear the table instead of chatting online. Cook or make something for your family one night. Anything that keeps you away from your computer for some time will help you and give you the conviction that you can do without the internet.
Step 6. Hang out with your friends
Plan a trip to the bowling alley, supermarket or ice rink. Take the dog out and have a friend accompany you. Avoid places that offer free internet access, such as internet cafes.
Step 7. Plan a family night out
Instead of watching TV or doing solitary activities after dinner, eat together at the table and organize games.
Step 8. Limit the time you spend on your computer
Make sure you don't turn it on too many times a week. If you have a laptop, don't keep it where you can always see it. Try to keep it closed when you are not using it; when the computer isn't looking at you, you will be less likely to use it. If you have a desktop PC, try not to be near it or cover it with a sheet.
Step 9. Call people instead of sending instant messages
Call a friend and go out for at least 3 hours a day. This will distract you from the computer. Try doing your homework together.
Step 10. Use an alarm or timer
Before using your computer, set yourself a time limit, such as 30 minutes. Set your alarm or timer and be sure to turn off your computer when the time is up. Alternatively, create an automatic shutdown shortcut on your desktop (Google "shutdown timer" for guides). You can schedule your computer to shut down after a set time.
Step 11. Don't eat at the computer
Eating away from the computer will help you not to go online.
Advice
- If you need to find information on a topic, do it as quickly as possible, without sitting down. Stand up as long as you surf the internet, and don't sit down for any reason.
- Go to the park or the beach and get in touch with nature.
- Believe you can do it!
- Compile a list of reasons why you will be happier when you use less internet.
- Get help from friends and family to help you understand when you have been using your computer for too long.
- Remember to take breaks to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, and take care of your hygiene.
- Turn off email notifications, newsletter subscriptions or anything else that may make you want to use the internet.
- Think about the money you could save without having the internet.
- If you are going to stop using the internet forever, don't think about everything you can do on the internet.
- Cancel your internet subscription or get rid of your computer.
Warnings
- You may still need the computer for school or work or for a college project. This is normal, just try not to overdo it.
- After 15 minutes on the computer, get up and stretch to prevent eye and muscle strain. Long periods of time with your hands on a keyboard or mouse can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and other serious ailments.
