HACKER Q&A
📣 hnuu3

How to become less of a “Screen Person”?


Irony is not lost on me in asking this question to a forum of computer folk, but I find I spend my days and nights staring at screens (e.g. Work, Netflix, Video Games, etc). What substitutes (if any) have you taken up to reduce your "Screen Time" that has resulted in what you feel is a meaningful improvement in your well-being?

  👤 leros Accepted Answer ✓
I assume you ask this question because you feel you're spending too much time on screens versus doing something else. I have two thoughts:

1) What is it you wish you were doing instead? Would you rather do that than looking at your screen? If so, it's a simple matter of prioritization. Find the will power to put down your screen and go do what you want. Once you start feeling the reward of that activity, it will get easier over time to prioritize that.

2) Are you addicted to your screen? Like you can't put your phone down for 30 seconds. If so, this might be a classic addiction. Addiction to drugs, alcohol, or even screens is about escaping from your pain. Seriously consider what happens in your mind. If you want to try an experiment, try doing nothing for 30 minutes and see where your brain goes. If something concerning comes up here, consider seeking help from a therapist. I'm glad to chat with you as well.

👤 is_true
I take my problems for a walk. Whenever I have to make a design choice I go for a walk. I live 3 blocks away from a big river so I usually go there.

If I'm in the phase of design I take a notepad and go outside with it.

👤 gbN025tt2Z1E2E4
No social media profiles. Changed my life for the better in every way.
👤 baremetal
Get some hobbies doing real world stuff.

Undertake some projects around the house, for example.

Start a garden, do little wood working projects, smith some knives. Whatever tickles your fancy.