How I Overcame My Addictions?
I learnt to overcome my addictions after reading a great book, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.
Be the person who is listening to something no one else can hear.
1. Self-Awareness
-> Identify the trigger point for your addiction.
Note: Not only the addiction, but the trigger point of that addiction too!
Ex: Earlier I was addicted to mobile games. I was aware that I was addicted to mobile games but was unable to overcome it. But when I became aware of the trigger of it, I was surprised and it became easier for me to overcome it.
My trigger point was my environment, my social media feed, my friends. They all were showing or talking about the latest games, new updates, etc., which attracted me more towards mobile games.
We build our own cages out of the things we refuse to look at, then wonder why the room feels so small.
2. Detachment
-> When a trigger occurs, pause and detach for two minutes. Meanwhile you can remember the side effects of the trigger's action. It will become easier for you to avoid that addiction.
Ex: Whenever I got a trigger of mobile games, I used to remember its side effects like how I would feel when it caused headaches, eye fatigue, etc., or how I behaved rudely with people when they interrupted me between gameplays.
3. Replacement
-> I know it is easier to advise anyone to avoid addictions until it comes to you. Humans are those types of creatures who like their comfort zone very much.
-> If you want to overcome a bad habit (addiction) you cannot simply remove it in a second. You will need to reduce it gradually and then when it becomes weak you can fully remove it.
-> It is easier to overcome a bad habit (addiction) if you replace it with any other useful habit.
Ex: To avoid game addiction, I tried many ways like I deleted games, set screen time on it, however in the last I was not able to cope with my own target and ended up reinstalling and removing screen time.
Then I slowly tried to reduce the timing, I reduced my gameplay time from 6 hours+ avg/day to 5/4 hours avg/day. After that I slowly replaced the addiction with music listening.
You won't believe it but within a month my addiction was over, I got self-control upon myself and listening to music provided me many mental and physical benefits, like I got mental peace. My concentration power is increasing gradually as I feel. I used to hold weird postures during gameplay like neck bend, etc. If you are a gamer you will have experienced it. After overcoming that addiction I'm feeling more myself and getting more time for other activities.
Amateurs wait for the strike of lightning; professionals build the lightning rod and stand in the rain every single day.
4. Consistency
-> We all know "Consistency is the key."
It is easier to overcome an addiction for some days due to motivation. After 1–2 weeks the motivation will drop and it will result in the reestablishment of that addiction and maybe more deeply.
So we should gradually try to overcome an addiction and follow those steps to gain self-control.
[IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER METHODS TO OVERCOME ADDICTION, FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW. ANY QUESTIONS CAN ALSO BE ASKED.]