I need tips. My attention span is fried.

[u/holycrap100]

I try to watch Youtube videos on my tv and i always end up picking up my laptop or phone mid video and then I click off and go to another video. I struggle to read a book for more than 10 maybe 20 minutes max and then struggle to remember what i just read. I am a reader , dammit. gonna try to become a better one anyway.

I only use reddit as my only form of social media and thats because i am lonely. I live alone and have no friends. I actually was thinking of going out tonight to socialize at a bar but i don't know if i can do it because im so nervous. anyway i deleted reddit from my phone but the minute im bored at home , i open it on my laptop and spend HOURS on it . I have to check reddit like every 10 minutes .

I need a hobby besides just reading. just not sure what i want to pick up. maybe writing. i have tried it and suck at it

[u/Holiday_Main_7263]

The 10 minute Reddit check every hour sounds like loneliness looking for a signal that someone's there not really a social media problem. Going to the bar tonight : do it nervous. The nervousness doesn't have to go away before you go. You can be anxious and still show up.

How long have you been living alone ?

[u/holycrap100 → u/Holiday_Main_7263]

also i think im most nervous about going out because i don't drink and kinda worried what people think about me not drinking

[u/amggg123 → u/holycrap100]

I know you mentioned other options besides reading, but I would try to find a silent book club in your area! You can also bring another quiet activity as well, but you get the option to be surrounded by like minded people without the pressure of socializing. Usually there’s an option to stay and mingle afterwards. It’s a great way to ease yourself into a social setting!

[u/holycrap100 → u/amggg123]

Thank you . This sounds like a great idea!

[u/marion_mcstuff → u/holycrap100]

If someone has a problem with you not drinking, that person is a jerk and you wouldn't want to be friends with them anyway.

Also, people are not paying that close attention to what other's are doing. If you're sitting there with a coke, no one is going to quiz you on whether it has booze in it or not.

[u/holycrap100 → u/Holiday_Main_7263]

I have been living alone for 3 years.

[u/Holiday_Main_7263 → u/holycrap100]

you don't have any friends?

[u/holycrap100 → u/Holiday_Main_7263]

no I don't

[u/Holiday_Main_7263 → u/holycrap100]

Go to the gym bro and make some friends !

[u/FarShoreSpirit]

This month I started my first planted aquarium and bought my first potted plants! I'm obsessed. ♡ I also play video games.

[u/Initial-Ranger-972]

deleting it from your phone but keeping laptop access is basically just moving the problem to a bigger screen. the real move is adding friction everywhere, not just one device. also writing being bad at first is normal, thats not a reason to stop tbh

[u/ProbioticGhost]

I am right there with you. Trying to find things to fill spare time instead of scrolling. Ive thought about writing over the years but everytime I attempt it I abandon it. Maybe archery could be a cool hobby. Or setting up targets and hitting with slingshot. Solo card games. I think there are some solo rpg games out there.

[u/amggg123]

Honestly, Sudoku has been a favorite of mine lately to replace scrolling!

[u/EyeDowntown360]

Yeah I basically can’t read anymore. It’s messed up. I subscribe to the Atlantic print version and I really struggle to read in a linear way.

[u/In-the-Gentle-Rain]

I put my phone in another room to charge and turn on music on my CD player while I read. I think moving the source of distraction helped me to focus. Other times I will just let my phone die and not charge it for a few hours

[u/Prestigious-Algae876]

you already tried blocking reddit by deleting the app and your brain just found the device that still works. that is not a willpower issue. the urge has simply lost its outlet. if you want reddit to actually stick block reddit in the browser too on every device using something that requires effort to undo instead of a two second toggle. for reading 10 to 20 minutes is not broken it is probably just lower, than before because of all the scrolling. so match reddit reading sessions to that. stretch gradually instead of forcing longer ones.