Is an all-or-nothing approach the only thing that works for me?

[jacknine119]

For the first few hours after waking up, I don’t use technology. But eventually, I open my phone, maybe see a message, and text a girl. Then I spend the whole day waiting for her reply and checking my phone. Even when I’m not checking it, I’m still stuck in that waiting loop.

On the one hand, completely quitting social media seems too radical. On the other hand, telling myself I’ll only use it to connect with people or arrange dates doesn’t work either. Once I open it, I get sucked in.

I notice similar patterns with chocolate and masturbation. If I abstain for a few days, I eventually tell myself it’s okay to do it once. But then I often end up wanting more.

So I wonder: is balance actually possible for me, or does an all-or-nothing approach work better?

I’m especially concerned about social media because I still want to connect with people and build meaningful relationships without spending my whole day waiting for notifications.

What’s your experience? Is it possible to develop a healthy relationship with these things, or is complete abstinence sometimes the better option?

 

[Basman]

What are you doing besides social media? You need to fill your day with meaningful things to do.

If you try to quit an addiction you should replace it with something constructive.