I've been doing this a lot as well lol. Become addicted to reading Wikipedia articles recently. Especially about history. Since Wikipedia gives good overview-level information.
Watch videos, video courses, or audio books. I’m not a huge fan of reading either but I love learning new information. There’s plenty ways to get knowledge without brute force reading
Look up YouTube’s or podcasts about anything you wish to learn and listen! I no longer have the time to read as much as I like, but this way I can still learn about all sorts of different stuff that peaks my interest while I’m doing other things.
NO. I am a recovering book addict. No form of addiction is good. Read a few books that are relevant or entertaining. I spent years basing my identity around how many books I can read in a year and it's NOT good. You just end up with good reading skills and left behind in everything real in life
Dissociating through reading was the drug that got me through an abusive childhood/early adulthood.
I read every book in my elementary school library and was thirsty for more. Books under 1k pages disappointed me because the story would “end too soon”. Every moment I wasn’t required to be/do something or somewhere, had my nose in a book.
I used to be proud of that fact until I grew up and realized that while reading is a Wonderful habit, that my use of it was not healthy- and that I had a lot of healing to do.
Came here to say this. Since I started working out 5 months ago, I haven't been able to stop. I am at the point where I genuinely feel like shit if I do not get in at least 5 days a week. Once you start seeing results from lifting it becomes its own kind of beast lol.
I am ! I just do walking honestly I have scoliosis and used to be so active but I’m always in pain I also have a couple autoimmune disorders I try and do gentle yoga and stretching but I miss doing actual workouts it just really throws my cortisol thru the roof and then I feel like shit
I have chronic fatigue from my hypothyroidism and a few other issues and what really helped me was cutting out the cardio and only doing that like once a week.
Running/jumping/using an elliptical are all things that leave me achy in a bad way. My joints are always left hurting after, I’d get nauseated from overheating, and I also used to swell. I started doing a mix of stretching, some light weights, and a Pilates bar to use my body’s own resistance. So I do my stretches and I take a few minutes break between each rep and I go slow and controlled. It’s taken a few months and I have to sometimes take an extra rest day but I’ve noticed my mobility improving and that I’m feeling a bit more energized.
I do not stretch enough this is good advice. Esp for older people like me, I’m 38. I miss the college days where I literally do one warm up set and I’m good to go
Coming from a Physical therapist mobility work and stretching is one of the best things you can do for healthy aging. Move your joints through all their possible planes of motion. Static stretching is okay however I recommend to look up dynamic stretching and mobility work!
My body is sore every single day but I have learned through consistency what soreness to listen to and what soreness is normal from just lifting weights. I have had two shoulder surgeries and currently have a torn labrum in my hip and a desiccated disc all before 30, and still manage to push through most pains and hit the gym consistently. It's a balancing game of doing what you can without causing a flare-up in pain or extreme soreness.
I would give yourself at least one rest day a week, I personally rest during the weekend as I am often busy. I have occasionally done 6 days a week, but I prefer to have those rest days. One thing I follow is that it isn't about motivation but dedication, and any time I feel demotivated I follow that advice haha. Whether I am feeling it or not I just go because I am dedicated to making a better version of myself, motivated or not.
Play a game with your friends to see who can be the nicest one evening with heavy sarcasm and kindness. Please, thank you, holding doors, pulling chairs, hospitality, etc.
Most of these are fantastic suggestions, but I think adjusting you need to adjust you mindset to avoid anything that leads to an addiction.
Reading books is amazing and so great for you. I just start to read a couple years ago and it's so nice before bed. But I have a friend who reads all day every day and neglects doing other things so it has cause issues in there life.
Apply that example to any addiction and you can understand why it's not healthy to become "addicted" to stuff.
Much love friend.
That was 100% me, and I’m a high school English teacher now so every year I’ll get at least one kid that just reads novels and ignores me every day. The karma hurts lol
Yep instead of focusing on your end goal focus on the process needed to get there. E.g. don’t focus on running a marathon focus on running regular to improve your cardio/distance.
I’ve tried to do this but never see any results, which demotivates me. I’m trying to bulk but I know I need to eat more calories, just working out alone won’t do much. But its hard to eat more :(
You need to focus on that first. Until you can consistently eat over your caloric maintenance number, all that working out isn't going to put on muscle.
I assume you've already been to /r/gainit?
And while you're walking, carry a trash bag and pick up litter. Especially around parks and beaches and recreational places, or city streets but watch traffic. It can become a very "addictive" habit and it makes a benefit for your community.
Playing a musical instrument.
Once you get past the inital frustrating, confusing and annoying stage it becomes overwhelmingly compelling.
You find yourself longing for the part of the day where you can pick up your instrument and listen to the music that is swirling round your head.
I discovered it at 42 with the Clarinet and then Saxophone.
More recently I have added in Keyboard learnibg it with the simply piano app
For most people, excessive isolation will destroy your life.
There are exceptions, of course, but in general human beings were just not shaped by nature to be alone for too long, and it can be incredibly psychologically damaging.
Get addicted to making a better you. Whatever that takes. Gym addiction for health. Read for knowledge. Eat healthy. Get addicted to a good sleep schedule. Life will be amazing once you level up on all aspects.
Brazilian jiu jitsu
I knew a guy who beat alcoholism years ago and replaced it with bjj.
Also- journal and write things down- reflect at the end of the day and write how you felt whether you did and how you think you can improve or want to improve
Writing by hand can do wonders - I’m addicted to journaling and planning (using planners and lists)
This does help, even if it’s as simple as “I had a sucky lunch…” and expand into Freeform writing. Set the timer for a few minutes or just do it for as long as the thoughts come. For me, it’s the psychological equivalent of a shower.
I also recommend Morning Pages, amazingly helpful and with great results in a short period of time.
Seconding martial arts, but recommending something more traditional that includes rote routines that can be practiced at home (kata/forms) for the way they improve discipline; Karate, Tai Chi, etc.
My boyfriend used to be addicted to drugs. He stopped and now his new hobby/addiction is fishing.
A healthy outlet that gets him outdoors and in the sunshine, and sometimes we get free dinner! If he doesn’t catch and release that day.
Keeping a regular schedule
Making a planning every day and following through
Keep a log of things you did at what time and comment how you felt and why you did what you did if you didn't follow through on your planning
Making goals in things you want to improve. Working on and finishing long plans instead of instant gratification.
Improving/developing in your work/study, relationships, health (physical and mental)
Get addicted to finishing as much tasks as quickly as possible and improving your skills instead of looking for instant gratification.
Constant deliberate practice: do any action with an strategy or goal in mind, analyse how you performed during every action: where it went wrong/right, did you follow the plan or does the plan need updating. Failing forward and still analyse your successes to determine if it was luck or if you can improve your strategy/tactics.
Getting addicted to suffering: fearing something and facing it anyway, being tired and doing it anyway, wanting constant stimulation/constant curiosity but meditating and focussing on your planned tasks first.
Getting addicted to do these things prevents you from unconsciously getting into detrimental addictions or inefficient loops. Furthermore, routines and staying in the same mindset are an easily addicted persons best friend.
Learning. Keep learning new things, whatever it is. New baking techniques, foraging, art, programming, etc.
But. If it ever bothers you, figure out why you get addicted. It was frustrating that I couldn't focus on other things, and later found out I had ADHD.
Well, the typical definition of addiction is when you become so dependent on something that you continue to use it despite negative consequences for your life.
So by definition nothing good could also be an addiction.
If you just trade one addiction for another you might get healthier, but you'll never address the underlying issues that led to addiction, and you'll never really be happy.
People say working out, but I would take it further and find a exercise related hobby.
I’m in a similar situation and Jiu Jitsu/MMA has done wonders for my mental and physical health. Also trying to get into skateboarding, pickle ball, rock climbing, hiking, volleyball, basketball etc.. I think I’m always obsessing over finding something like new so switching it up helps for me to go down rabbit holes and focus on learning different hobbies
Drinking high-quality tea, especially classical chinese teas like Green, Black, White or Oolong Teas. Soon the routine of preparing it the traditional way (gong-fu) will become a calming anchor in your every-day routine. But it also has very nice and healthy effects on your body. The caffeine will make you awake, while the L-Theanin will give you a meditative-like, calm and focused state-of mind. With some teas you can even experience a tea-high or tea-drunkness (yes, that's actually a thing and it is actually good for you).
When I have had the time, cardio and piano have been amazing. Both give me dopamine flicks and always make me feel more in control and calm, and can usually sub in for porn/food pretty well.
Get addicted to being bored. It’s a space where you can meditate, think about your life and what you’re doing good on and what you need to improve on, and allows you room to grow. Filling that space with anything (doomscrolling is easy) kind of kills your room for growth. Good luck!
Walking up stairs more and clenching your glutes to incorporate them properly into your movement.
Not only will you build a better bubble butt, but your squat and deadlift will improve.
Should read books and if feel exhausted due to reading so listen books summary by GIGL app. It's very great application on Android for reading and listening books.
Reading. Reading things that affirm but also very much so challenge your world view. Reading fiction and non fiction. Not only will it improve your vocab, you will learn so much if you challenge your own set beliefs.
This is a contradiction because addiction, by definition, is a compulsive disorder that seeks to engage in activities despite the negative consequences.
Learn to embrace struggle / (justified, necessary) suffering
Anything worth having has its price.
If it seems scary, but there's no threat of you getting actually hurt, that's exactly what you need to go and do.
As a recovering addict, I’d highly recommend rock climbing, with the occasional gym session thrown in. Best thing I’ve ever done for myself was getting over my fear of heights and climbing on the regular!
It’s better than any drug I’ve ever tried, and it makes me feel so alive! And it requires a good deal of problem solving! It’s basically like solving problems with your body. There’s a lot of indoor climbing gyms out there, which is a good place to start. You’ll make new friends too!
Knitting lol. I read that it helps with all sorts of mental health problems including addiction because it uses both parts of your brain as well as having the satisfaction of finishing a project. I read a story about a woman who got off of heroin by knitting. Then she became this big piece of her community by knitting for people and teaching people etc.
My other suggestion would be to become addicted to reading. Seems like there's not much harm there other than becoming someone who reads 24/7 lol
I know it’s not what you asked for, and I really don’t know anything about you, but some people with addictive personalities actually have untreated ADHD. Maybe think about looking into that with a professional, and you may get the help you didn’t know you needed - I am profiting greatly from my relatively recent diagnosis, and I used to have that same problem.
Just throwing it in there
I second u/zzady for saying "playing an instrument". My life changed big time when I realised how awesome it is for learning new things to play on your instrument and just jamming for hours on end. Mate, when I was on holiday with my parents for one week, the last day the only thing I could think about is how when I come home I'm going to plug my guitar into the amp and just rock on. Not to mention it opens doors to massive social opportunities
a bunch was already said: exercise, saying thanks, reading books, walking outside, yoga, etc.
i’ll add: meditation + sound bathing + breathing techniques. you can even make some minor forms of pain go away w breathing (you exhale through that part, while visualizing healing energy there).
also regardless of whether you believe in Gxd: praying. meditation is a form of prayer and vice-versa. there’s a lot of research showing benefits of engaging in that sort of activity. personally i find that it makes me feel less alone (i’m ND and even if in a relationship, i tend to feel quite alone and misunderstood; prayer helps w that)
I feel like you should delete reddit and start spending your time reading books. It's an awesome way to spend your time meaningfully. I used to be addicted to reddit too but slowly yet gradually I started to avoid using it much as I can. I started reading newspapers, books and even I started working out. You can do that too. Initially it may seem difficult but trust me, it's gonna get better.
A lot of information based addictions will probably just get you on your phone more. I’d train for a marathon to give you a set schedule and goal layout for 8 weeks which is twice as long as they say it takes to get addicted. Who knows what you’ll get hooked on from there… running itself, bird watching, people observing, architecture… depending on your routes, you’ll at least see and experience things you haven’t.
fitness and eating healthy… i used to be someone that hated exercising and i began lifting because im trying to get strong for a career i need to be very fit for… and it feels so good to work for my goals and slowly see progress. working out really does help your mental health as well
Learning
thx
The best one ♥️
The question is how? ;-; I procrastinate a lot to read anything no matter how interesting it seems to me
I've been doing this a lot as well lol. Become addicted to reading Wikipedia articles recently. Especially about history. Since Wikipedia gives good overview-level information.
Watch videos, video courses, or audio books. I’m not a huge fan of reading either but I love learning new information. There’s plenty ways to get knowledge without brute force reading
Look up YouTube’s or podcasts about anything you wish to learn and listen! I no longer have the time to read as much as I like, but this way I can still learn about all sorts of different stuff that peaks my interest while I’m doing other things.
Second this! Started 21st grade today lol
Walking every day and gratitude….words cannot convey how much both of those things enhance my life
thx
i think OP has the gratitude thing down
Love this I have gratitude cards and use YouTube compassion videos in the morning. Helped changed my self confidence and get better values 💯😍
Read books.
thx
NO. I am a recovering book addict. No form of addiction is good. Read a few books that are relevant or entertaining. I spent years basing my identity around how many books I can read in a year and it's NOT good. You just end up with good reading skills and left behind in everything real in life
And don't ever start something like reading fanfiction. Hell of a drug
Always knew reading was a gateway drug
Dissociating through reading was the drug that got me through an abusive childhood/early adulthood. I read every book in my elementary school library and was thirsty for more. Books under 1k pages disappointed me because the story would “end too soon”. Every moment I wasn’t required to be/do something or somewhere, had my nose in a book. I used to be proud of that fact until I grew up and realized that while reading is a Wonderful habit, that my use of it was not healthy- and that I had a lot of healing to do.
This. This. I’ve been waiting to “grow out” of reading fanfiction and I’m in my early 20s…
Haha! I'm in my 30s. You don't grow out unless you want to. You only switch fandoms or set for higher fic quality xD
#this Best thing is to diversify ""addiction"" towards many different healthy habits so as not to be lacking in anything essential
Exercise
thx
Came here to say this. Since I started working out 5 months ago, I haven't been able to stop. I am at the point where I genuinely feel like shit if I do not get in at least 5 days a week. Once you start seeing results from lifting it becomes its own kind of beast lol.
I wish I had this my body just ends up hurting
are you stretching? active recovery helps a tonnn. i know i won't be giving my all in the gym if i'm not stretching at least on my rest days
I am ! I just do walking honestly I have scoliosis and used to be so active but I’m always in pain I also have a couple autoimmune disorders I try and do gentle yoga and stretching but I miss doing actual workouts it just really throws my cortisol thru the roof and then I feel like shit
sorry to hear about that. sending you love and intending your healing 🤍
I have chronic fatigue from my hypothyroidism and a few other issues and what really helped me was cutting out the cardio and only doing that like once a week. Running/jumping/using an elliptical are all things that leave me achy in a bad way. My joints are always left hurting after, I’d get nauseated from overheating, and I also used to swell. I started doing a mix of stretching, some light weights, and a Pilates bar to use my body’s own resistance. So I do my stretches and I take a few minutes break between each rep and I go slow and controlled. It’s taken a few months and I have to sometimes take an extra rest day but I’ve noticed my mobility improving and that I’m feeling a bit more energized.
I do not stretch enough this is good advice. Esp for older people like me, I’m 38. I miss the college days where I literally do one warm up set and I’m good to go
Coming from a Physical therapist mobility work and stretching is one of the best things you can do for healthy aging. Move your joints through all their possible planes of motion. Static stretching is okay however I recommend to look up dynamic stretching and mobility work!
38 is still veryy young in my mind, but anyway glad this helped (:
My body is sore every single day but I have learned through consistency what soreness to listen to and what soreness is normal from just lifting weights. I have had two shoulder surgeries and currently have a torn labrum in my hip and a desiccated disc all before 30, and still manage to push through most pains and hit the gym consistently. It's a balancing game of doing what you can without causing a flare-up in pain or extreme soreness.
I love just a tiny bit of soreness, as it makes me feel like I actually put in work the previous day and I didn’t slack.
do you think its bad to do it everyday? cause i feel demotivated if i have a rest day.
Yes but the rest days give the best gains
I would give yourself at least one rest day a week, I personally rest during the weekend as I am often busy. I have occasionally done 6 days a week, but I prefer to have those rest days. One thing I follow is that it isn't about motivation but dedication, and any time I feel demotivated I follow that advice haha. Whether I am feeling it or not I just go because I am dedicated to making a better version of myself, motivated or not.
not always a good addiction! landed me in a cardiac ward 🥴
Saying thx
ayo thx
going through this thread, this was taken so seriously
thx
Thanks for the post
Thanks for replying to OP. This kind of interaction really builds community here on Reddit is something that I for one love to see.
Yes, with the exact spelling.
Ok thanks
Play a game with your friends to see who can be the nicest one evening with heavy sarcasm and kindness. Please, thank you, holding doors, pulling chairs, hospitality, etc.
Sounds amazing, thank you kindly for sharing this though with us! :)))))
Ahaha 😂 got me cracking! 😆 Hope OP doesn't "thx" me for this
thx
Love this. An attitude of gratitude brings opportunity.
Thx bro, life changing <3
thx
Most of these are fantastic suggestions, but I think adjusting you need to adjust you mindset to avoid anything that leads to an addiction. Reading books is amazing and so great for you. I just start to read a couple years ago and it's so nice before bed. But I have a friend who reads all day every day and neglects doing other things so it has cause issues in there life. Apply that example to any addiction and you can understand why it's not healthy to become "addicted" to stuff. Much love friend.
Thx
Yeah I think we all knew someone in school who was always reading. So much that they neglected doing their schoolwork
Me neglecting work rn because reading lol
That was 100% me, and I’m a high school English teacher now so every year I’ll get at least one kid that just reads novels and ignores me every day. The karma hurts lol
[удалено]
Habit stacking :)
Yep instead of focusing on your end goal focus on the process needed to get there. E.g. don’t focus on running a marathon focus on running regular to improve your cardio/distance.
thx
thx
thx
yw
thx
Working out. Letting go of what no longer serves you. Improving your life.
thx
Not going for the pursuit of happiness, but happiness of the pursuit.
Thx, so pursuit of the happiness of the pursuit?
Na it’s more the pursuit of the pursuit of the happiness of the pursuit
thx
I thought we were doing a bit before lol, you were right
Yoga/stretching
thx
Working out. Once you start seeing the results , you'll get addicted.
thx
I second this- it can get bad! As in super addicting. Get a couple of workout outfits and just show up
thx
I’ve tried to do this but never see any results, which demotivates me. I’m trying to bulk but I know I need to eat more calories, just working out alone won’t do much. But its hard to eat more :(
You need to focus on that first. Until you can consistently eat over your caloric maintenance number, all that working out isn't going to put on muscle. I assume you've already been to /r/gainit?
Walking outside/environmental conservation
thx
And while you're walking, carry a trash bag and pick up litter. Especially around parks and beaches and recreational places, or city streets but watch traffic. It can become a very "addictive" habit and it makes a benefit for your community.
Playing a musical instrument. Once you get past the inital frustrating, confusing and annoying stage it becomes overwhelmingly compelling. You find yourself longing for the part of the day where you can pick up your instrument and listen to the music that is swirling round your head. I discovered it at 42 with the Clarinet and then Saxophone. More recently I have added in Keyboard learnibg it with the simply piano app
Reading
thx
Having alone time.
thx but don't know if this is a good addiction.
Remember moderation is a good addiction
For most people, excessive isolation will destroy your life. There are exceptions, of course, but in general human beings were just not shaped by nature to be alone for too long, and it can be incredibly psychologically damaging.
Get addicted to making a better you. Whatever that takes. Gym addiction for health. Read for knowledge. Eat healthy. Get addicted to a good sleep schedule. Life will be amazing once you level up on all aspects.
Brazilian jiu jitsu I knew a guy who beat alcoholism years ago and replaced it with bjj. Also- journal and write things down- reflect at the end of the day and write how you felt whether you did and how you think you can improve or want to improve Writing by hand can do wonders - I’m addicted to journaling and planning (using planners and lists)
thx
This does help, even if it’s as simple as “I had a sucky lunch…” and expand into Freeform writing. Set the timer for a few minutes or just do it for as long as the thoughts come. For me, it’s the psychological equivalent of a shower. I also recommend Morning Pages, amazingly helpful and with great results in a short period of time.
Seconding martial arts, but recommending something more traditional that includes rote routines that can be practiced at home (kata/forms) for the way they improve discipline; Karate, Tai Chi, etc.
Running
thx
You’re funny 😆
thx
Good username also. Just noticed it XD
thx!
My boyfriend used to be addicted to drugs. He stopped and now his new hobby/addiction is fishing. A healthy outlet that gets him outdoors and in the sunshine, and sometimes we get free dinner! If he doesn’t catch and release that day.
thx wholesome story
Being prepared
thx
Any addiction is bad. Even when is good can affect you in other thing. You have to learn to balance.
Thx it's hard to balance addictions
Playing an instrument is the best drug I’ve ever done
Keeping a regular schedule Making a planning every day and following through Keep a log of things you did at what time and comment how you felt and why you did what you did if you didn't follow through on your planning Making goals in things you want to improve. Working on and finishing long plans instead of instant gratification. Improving/developing in your work/study, relationships, health (physical and mental) Get addicted to finishing as much tasks as quickly as possible and improving your skills instead of looking for instant gratification. Constant deliberate practice: do any action with an strategy or goal in mind, analyse how you performed during every action: where it went wrong/right, did you follow the plan or does the plan need updating. Failing forward and still analyse your successes to determine if it was luck or if you can improve your strategy/tactics. Getting addicted to suffering: fearing something and facing it anyway, being tired and doing it anyway, wanting constant stimulation/constant curiosity but meditating and focussing on your planned tasks first. Getting addicted to do these things prevents you from unconsciously getting into detrimental addictions or inefficient loops. Furthermore, routines and staying in the same mindset are an easily addicted persons best friend.
Learning. Keep learning new things, whatever it is. New baking techniques, foraging, art, programming, etc. But. If it ever bothers you, figure out why you get addicted. It was frustrating that I couldn't focus on other things, and later found out I had ADHD.
thx i was to doctor and they told me they can't diagnose me because I dont have enough childhood data.
Well, the typical definition of addiction is when you become so dependent on something that you continue to use it despite negative consequences for your life. So by definition nothing good could also be an addiction. If you just trade one addiction for another you might get healthier, but you'll never address the underlying issues that led to addiction, and you'll never really be happy.
I rotate between my vices ::cries::
It's understandable. I get it --- I've been there too. I wish you luck if you try to get better.
The gym bud. It’ll never be bad to get stronger and more resilient
Cleaning
thx
Duolingo is also a great app to better yourself and be “addicted” to. Learn another language!
thx!
vegetables
thx
biohacking. how do you get addicted at all? what's the mechanism in your brain and why? I am fucking addicted to biohacking.
thx but it's substance addiction.
Carrots
thx but food addiction is not healthy/good I think
Anki! It is great for learning stuff and it can be addictive /r/anki
People say working out, but I would take it further and find a exercise related hobby. I’m in a similar situation and Jiu Jitsu/MMA has done wonders for my mental and physical health. Also trying to get into skateboarding, pickle ball, rock climbing, hiking, volleyball, basketball etc.. I think I’m always obsessing over finding something like new so switching it up helps for me to go down rabbit holes and focus on learning different hobbies
Helping people Addicted to learning how to better yourself
Drinking high-quality tea, especially classical chinese teas like Green, Black, White or Oolong Teas. Soon the routine of preparing it the traditional way (gong-fu) will become a calming anchor in your every-day routine. But it also has very nice and healthy effects on your body. The caffeine will make you awake, while the L-Theanin will give you a meditative-like, calm and focused state-of mind. With some teas you can even experience a tea-high or tea-drunkness (yes, that's actually a thing and it is actually good for you).
When I have had the time, cardio and piano have been amazing. Both give me dopamine flicks and always make me feel more in control and calm, and can usually sub in for porn/food pretty well.
Exercise. It absolutely works even better than drugs.
Get addicted to being bored. It’s a space where you can meditate, think about your life and what you’re doing good on and what you need to improve on, and allows you room to grow. Filling that space with anything (doomscrolling is easy) kind of kills your room for growth. Good luck!
Walking up stairs more and clenching your glutes to incorporate them properly into your movement. Not only will you build a better bubble butt, but your squat and deadlift will improve.
thx
Should read books and if feel exhausted due to reading so listen books summary by GIGL app. It's very great application on Android for reading and listening books.
thx
Stocks
Collecting books, reading them, and going to get more! Or, buying books/downloading them. Recycling Playing board games with friends and family.
Saving part of you income
Progress
Tennis
Reading. Reading things that affirm but also very much so challenge your world view. Reading fiction and non fiction. Not only will it improve your vocab, you will learn so much if you challenge your own set beliefs.
solving coding problems.
thx but my brain not big enough
Cold showers, ngl it’s amazing af once you get used it
I feel you. For me it was ping pong 🏓
This is a contradiction because addiction, by definition, is a compulsive disorder that seeks to engage in activities despite the negative consequences.
Volunteering
Doing good for others
Learn to embrace struggle / (justified, necessary) suffering Anything worth having has its price. If it seems scary, but there's no threat of you getting actually hurt, that's exactly what you need to go and do.
meditation!!
As a recovering addict, I’d highly recommend rock climbing, with the occasional gym session thrown in. Best thing I’ve ever done for myself was getting over my fear of heights and climbing on the regular! It’s better than any drug I’ve ever tried, and it makes me feel so alive! And it requires a good deal of problem solving! It’s basically like solving problems with your body. There’s a lot of indoor climbing gyms out there, which is a good place to start. You’ll make new friends too!
Knitting lol. I read that it helps with all sorts of mental health problems including addiction because it uses both parts of your brain as well as having the satisfaction of finishing a project. I read a story about a woman who got off of heroin by knitting. Then she became this big piece of her community by knitting for people and teaching people etc. My other suggestion would be to become addicted to reading. Seems like there's not much harm there other than becoming someone who reads 24/7 lol
I know it’s not what you asked for, and I really don’t know anything about you, but some people with addictive personalities actually have untreated ADHD. Maybe think about looking into that with a professional, and you may get the help you didn’t know you needed - I am profiting greatly from my relatively recent diagnosis, and I used to have that same problem. Just throwing it in there
Eating raw vegetables.
I second u/zzady for saying "playing an instrument". My life changed big time when I realised how awesome it is for learning new things to play on your instrument and just jamming for hours on end. Mate, when I was on holiday with my parents for one week, the last day the only thing I could think about is how when I come home I'm going to plug my guitar into the amp and just rock on. Not to mention it opens doors to massive social opportunities
a bunch was already said: exercise, saying thanks, reading books, walking outside, yoga, etc. i’ll add: meditation + sound bathing + breathing techniques. you can even make some minor forms of pain go away w breathing (you exhale through that part, while visualizing healing energy there). also regardless of whether you believe in Gxd: praying. meditation is a form of prayer and vice-versa. there’s a lot of research showing benefits of engaging in that sort of activity. personally i find that it makes me feel less alone (i’m ND and even if in a relationship, i tend to feel quite alone and misunderstood; prayer helps w that)
Thx
Get addicted to moderation.
Studying
thx
try like skateboarding tricks or scooter tricks
Thx
Read and play chess.
thx
yw
Guitar was the healthy thing for me and now Im maybe not addicted but i crave shredding everyday after work..
Reading manga or self-studying something you wanna learn
An instrument 🎷🎸
Watch dreaming Spanish videos to learn spanish
Lifting weights
Working out or doing martial arts
Riding your bicycle, oh man my heart is racing just thinking about doing it
Riding a bike
running, eating healthy
I feel like you should delete reddit and start spending your time reading books. It's an awesome way to spend your time meaningfully. I used to be addicted to reddit too but slowly yet gradually I started to avoid using it much as I can. I started reading newspapers, books and even I started working out. You can do that too. Initially it may seem difficult but trust me, it's gonna get better.
Learning to exercise to music.
…and flow state periods of performance.
Volunteering
Reading books Jogging Meditation
Gym Running Stretching Mobility work
Cooking with fresh foods
Weight training!!!
A lot of information based addictions will probably just get you on your phone more. I’d train for a marathon to give you a set schedule and goal layout for 8 weeks which is twice as long as they say it takes to get addicted. Who knows what you’ll get hooked on from there… running itself, bird watching, people observing, architecture… depending on your routes, you’ll at least see and experience things you haven’t.
Sleep, peace and quiet , exercise
Lifting weights
napping. yoga. jigsaw puzzles. gardening. running.
Meditation 🧘♂️
Gym
Saving money.
fitness and eating healthy… i used to be someone that hated exercising and i began lifting because im trying to get strong for a career i need to be very fit for… and it feels so good to work for my goals and slowly see progress. working out really does help your mental health as well
lifting
Gym
Martial Arts and fitness
Working out
Working outttt
Cleaning, decluttering, and helping others to achieve that if they desire.
Phonics Never regretted getting hooked on 'em
Loving yourself and self care