i get too immersed in the computer at home

[CoolStuff]

it makes me spend too much time on it. even after 30 minutes, i can notice a little dizzyness (it's not really that, it's very subtle, but i can notice it). while i stay on the computer, i dont feel any better or worse, that's what's so bad about it.

it only happens at home. at other places, even places where i'm comfortable at, time on the computer goes by slower.

how can i discipline myself to take frequent breaks? i might take breaks, but they're not long enough or frequent enough. i'll spend an hour on the computer, 1 minute off of it.

i stay at least 25 inches away from the screen.

[Steve T]

Hi CoolStuff,

Maybe it's the brightness of your screen or the lighting you have at home. How different is the environment where you use a computer but feel OK compared to at home?

Take a look at these things and see if there are any differences that may be causing the problem.

Tell yourself that using the computer is a treat, then set a kitchen time for say between half and three quarters of an hour, thats how long you can use the computer for at a time. Then reset the timer and do a household chore for the same length of time, then treat yourself to the computer again and so on and so on........

That way you get to use the computer, get a break from it and you will get all of your chores done at the same time.

Steve

[CoolStuff]

the brightness is 30% on a fairly new LCD monitor. the brightness is higher at other places.

the environment is different because there are more people around at other places. i might have time alone in a room for a long long time, but there are still people in the same building.

yeah i definitely use the computer way too much, but i feel like it's a different mindset in other environments. in other environments i see it more as a tool. at home, i feel like i have so much saved on my computer, i like save everything on it, i like to have everything possible at my hands. i'm sure reformatting the computer at home would rid me of this attitude, but like i said i want to keep everything that's on this computer! lol

i don't think saying the computer is a treat will help, that's exactly the attitude i'm trying to get rid of. i feel like a fat kid eating a bunch of chocolate and he just can't stop. it's weird though that at other places i have that different mindset (^^^) of seeing the computer as a tool, and i'll easily switch between computers.

[YazKMan]

If you find yourself spending too much time on the computer, then I suggest making a short mental checklist of things you NEED to do before you log on. After you log on, start working on that list and don't stray from it, soon you'll find that you're 10 minutes in and done with the list, that's when you log off and go do something else.

[CoolStuff]

^ Yeah that helps me a little. Thanks.

[CoolStuff]

That hasn't helped me because I haven't been able to keep it up.

[CoolStuff]

Bump. I was supposed to do some music homework on the computer but ended up doing other ****.

[Tayrak]

Hey CoolStuff I'm trying to figure out what it is you want to do. If you only want to take a few breaks setting a timer is a great way, it goes off and you make yourself get up-no matter what. It's kind of like the recess bell you'd never miss it. You do have to force yourself though. I think mainly it's your mindset. You say you want to spend less time on the computer but really you don't. So, I'm thinking the problem is you have to spend more time away from the computer. It's self discipline and you have to take enough responsibility to adhere to the rules you set for yourself. You say you were supposed to be doing music homework, obviously there are more fun things to do. Set the rule that you will work for a half hour and then you can take any kind of break you want, even playing on the computer. Sometimes when we deny ourselves things we just end up wanting them more. Allow yourself computer play time.This way you are getting your work done but allowing yourself to play on the computer too. If yo want to include exercise or something in there apply the same theory, give yourself play time as well as work time. you may have to push yourself at first but real soon it will be second nature to you.

[CoolStuff]

Thanks I appreciate that.