breaking the distraction addiction

[@dace8828]

my phone sends me a report of the previous week every monday at 9 am. let's say the numbers are sometimes horrendous. two weeks ago i decided enough was enough and put my phone down. last monday i got the message that i had used my phone 14 hours less than the week before, so far so good. i feel like im on the right path at this point. which also meant that i went on 2 more bike rides, to an outdoor concert where i took 3 pics and enjoyed the rest of the gig just dancing and being present and deep cleaned my kitchen. oh and i am also halfway through reading an actual book

[@KristenLeo]

👏👏👏 impressive!

[@dace8828]

@@KristenLeo thanks. This video gave me an incentive to keep going strong

[@alexmcginness8859]

Congrats, that’s a huge accomplishment!

[@karina-gallego]

Lol just out of curiosity, do you live in NYC? Brooklyn, specifically? I'm asking because I've LITERALLY been doing the same this summer! Going on bike rides and free outdoor concerts all over the city! Summer in New York is so freaking fun! And it would be so sad to just be missing out on life so much by spending time on my phone! So congrats!

[@dace8828]

@@karina-gallego noo, i live in a small country in europe 😊

[@destroythedisco1]

What I've been doing for the last year to avoid binge-watching series is scheduling everything I want to watch. E.g. series A on Mondays, series B on Wednesdays, series C on Sundays, only one episode of each show per week, on a specific day, without any distractions (no phone, no food, no snack). I actually came to appreciate what I watch much more than before, now actually paying attention to plot, cinematography and performances. It also helps a lot to have these "anchors" when I know that whatever happens I'm watching Mad Men on Fridays.

[@diciottottobre]

mad men is amazing!

[@risika]

I was listening to a podcast that said, “it’s important to live life by design rather than emotion. Basically, sticking to a routine is what allows us to be the healthiest version of ourselves (especially when you're fighting these demons ex. OCD for me). I’ve had to overhaul how I use my phone and how approach studying, working out and taking care of my brain (journaling) by practising mediocre consistency. Now I try to put in consistent 50-60% effort into my studying, exercise and journaling habit - to make sure I do it I began recording it and posting it on YT. And instead of just banning myself from my phone I just tried to replace it with this routine/foundation. Because historically I have a habit of going too hard, not being able to sustain the Herculean effort, giving up and hating myself. So now I’m trying to give a small, consistent mediocre effort everyday. And its crazy how it adds up.

[@madaffi2434]

can you recommend that podcast? I'd like to check it out?

[@risika]

@@madaffi2434 Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjciGSIpZaMaMk - its about ocd but I think the main ideas cold be extrapolated and used by anyone!

[@aleksandraneon2476]

Up

[@evedotcom]

I don’t watch TV, I deactivated my Instagram 2 years ago, never had Tiktok… but I’m also on KZbin for like several hours a day??? often while playing chess online lmao. It could be worse… but it’s still a hardcore daily distraction. I have so many neglected creative goals I have been unable to really focus in on effectively. Thank you for this inspiration!! And congrats on the book omg 🌞

[@hmmhuh1222]

Tbh this video made me want to cry! Former addict to drugs and while I'm doing better than ever in life and internally, I'm very addicted to KZbin. I try so hard not to go on, but I legit feel fatigued, irritable and totally uninspired without it. But with it even if I'm inspired, I don't do any of the art stuff I just think about it. So frustrating! I appreciate you sharing, as it makes me feel less alone

[@robertstanley9633]

This!! I deleted all social media's 8 years ago but KZbin has been my go to for 'how tos' but now I feel like the feed has become saturated with 'shorts' and reposts that KZbin has been becoming overstimulation because not everyone is making content like they used to. I noticed a lot of content creators are announcing taking a mental break so I feel like being overestimulated and burnt out is a real thing . Anyways, good luck to everyone. May you find peace wherever you are reading this 💕

[@Laia215]

Me

[@diamondcentury21]

Omg no way I’m the exact same, I downloaded the famous chess app I learned how to play and I have been playing since January. I also read books on my phone. But still most of my screen time is spent on KZbin 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jessicat4047]

Distraction or brain down time is very important still, but you can get that without being online constantly! Reading books and lighter things is a really important thing to do as well!

[@rosalieo5045]

I definitely have a KZbin/phone addiction issue and I'm not sure how to go about changing it.

[@diamondcentury21]

Same.. tried to delete it but ended up constantly redownloading it

[@N0cturnalOwl]

Same... one reason I don't download TikTok because I will watch videos for hours, but I can't delete KZbin off my phone it won't let me 😭. I've tried putting limits on it but I always ignore it or add more time because I'm in the middle of a video or something.

[@Geeszsz-g4j]

Dr K has some great vids in internet addiction

[@alexonline2340]

i highly recommend reading the book "how to break up with your phone" and/or watching the documentary "the social dilemma." they both helped me a lot!

SAME! I am miserable! Tomorrow I will put my phone away completely. I've done it before. Even just for a day feels so much better! And actually I've said I was going to do that one day every week, I forgot completely. Addiction is real. And it's a very tricky thing. I also believe my back and arm problem comes from that...

[@alexmcginness8859]

The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized that opportunities to truly unplug and disconnect (via entertainment like TV or movies or shows) is so important. With mental illness I can get way too stuck in my head and that’s such a good way to get out of it. It’s all about how you do it and the intention behind it. I’ll admit I’m also guilty of the double screen thing though. Omg I’m so glad I’m not the only one that does this. 🙈😂

[@alexmcginness8859]

I don’t think disconnecting via social is the same or as healthy. That’s a totally different convo.

[@vicentema31]

Kristen, your videos are like graphic podcasts or video essays to me, they aren't a distraction at all... your content is valuable :)

[@SofiaCalotti]

I feel like we have to watch out that it doesn't become a form of punishing ('restricting', 'having to be productive'). I recently read the book 'Laziness does not exist' by Devon Price and he talks about 'cyberloafing' to destress in a moderate amount. The problem is that they make social media to be addictive. I really struggle with this opposition, because I feel there is so much more I could do with my life , esp. in the creative sense (like you said). On the other hand restricting does not work for me at all and makes me feel bad about myself. Also, I am tired after work either way, maybe I should find something non-productive that can sometimes replace this behaviour.

[@angervana]

First of all, I love this experiment and I love how honest you were through it all. I think that you went from one extreme to the other when maybe the actual solution is somewhere in the middle. I get it though. I have been there and keep finding myself there because the world demands us to be online all the time AND I voluntarily plug into the matrix as well, especially when I am very stressed or just do not want to deal with whatever is happening at the moment. I actually think this is helpful, in moderation, of course. Something I noticed happened to you that also happens to me is that I keep myself SUPER busy when unplugging. I think this shows how I am actually replacing one addiction with another, or perhaps... that I am not addressing the actual underlying issue... My particular problem is that I literally fall asleep most times if I am not stimulated somehow. I also struggle with boredom at times. I feel very dumb saying this because you'd think a good nap will solve it, yet, it is more complicated than that. So, that is why I tend to keep myself busy even when trying to relax. I do not have any solutions, but I am happy that we are finally starting to have this conversation!! I hope you find a balance and what works for you the best!

[@CheekSoup]

Your content is so valuable. It sounds completely counterintuitive, as I’m a 34-year-old mom in a het marriage who lives in the US, but I relate to you in so many ways. The things you discuss and the way you express your own feelings and opinions are definitely needed in this space. I’ve been grappling with my screen time recently and how much I use it to numb my emotions. It’s definitely time for me to bite the bullet and do a detox of sorts.

[@rba4377]

Its great you've been getting lots done. But remember boredom is SUPER important for creativity, recharging and rest. Socialising also helps to decrease the desire for screens (coming from introvert). Highly recommend the book lost focus by johann hari :)

[@bobles119]

I just recently read 'stolen focus' - definitely one of the best books I've read on the subject!

[@moonchild812]

Your videos always make me think. I adore them. I see a kind of elder sister/guide in you that helps me out a lot in choosing how and who to be. You're always one step ahead when it comes to bringing awareness to certain topics (such as our obsession with being distracted) and, even when you are not trying to make a point about anything, there's always something to learn or think about that comes from the way you view the world and experience things. So, no, your videos are not distracting. In fact they are one of the only media pieces that I consciously put my mind into absorbing and not let myself get distracted by the phone.

[@KristenLeo]

🥹🥹🥹 waaah thank you so much!

[@ahouseofpomegranates4338]

i believe i have youtube on in the background every day for about 18 or so hours (usually about 1-2 hours when i've already fallen asleep with some background noise on) and i genuinely cannot function without the background noise. i might be cleaning or cooking or sewing or reading but i will have the background noise because otherwise i will scream. my autistic ass would die if i didn't have the background noise

[@bigcats9454]

Thank you for honestly depicting the times in which you “fell of the wagon” or “cheated.” It normalizes that “failure” is a natural part of growth. We should learn from our stumbles, not make ourselves feel bad about them.

[@Annieekj]

I just wanted to say that I really enjoy watching (lets be honest, mostly listening... i am a busy woman) your videos. I find them relaxing, as well as thoughtprovoking, and you are one of my long time favorit youtubers ❤️

[@cheery-hex]

you have demonstrated that balance is key. can't be doing all the time, and can't be not-doing all the time. what's the key? both! (or just be-ing). we need both action and distraction. this was great thanks :)

[@zenleeparadise]

I have serious mental health issues that I intentionally distract myself from. Not distracting myself leads to a lot of alone time with myself, and a lot of alone time with myself leads to a whole can of worms that I will not be able to function in normal society with once opened. And I gotta go to work, so I can’t afford to not be functional for a while to sort myself out. I can’t afford to not be distracted. Sharks have to keep moving or they’ll drown.

[@sarazsadanyi4113]

Kristen, your videos are the most important and thought provoking videos I see on KZbin. This comes at a VERY good time for me!!! I have been on holiday and stressed out and attached to my phone, but I have to start my PhD next month, which means I really need to rein it in and put my focus on bigger and better things than what my friends did/ate/saw last night!!

[@annaly2318]

This lowkey inspired me to go on a social media detox too... I luckily don't use tiktok or instagram (both deleted from my phone), but gosh do I have a reddit addiction...

[@LittleRedTeaCake]

I have started limiting the non-essential apps, I used the setting on my phone where you it asks if you want "One More Minute, 15 More Minutes or Ignore for the rest of the day" which the last one feels soooooo passive aggressive, but it works! My screen time overall has gone down. I do have to check Insta a few times a day because it's one of the only ways I'm able to communicate with some people. I sometimes find myself falling into the scroll trap, but then my 15 minutes are up and I have to make a conscious decision to keep scrolling, which makes me take more responsibility for my usage. I still need to work on the background noise situation. I have always worked best with something in the background, be it music or tv shows/movies/YT videos. As well as the double screens as you put it. I've started just pulling out a book instead and turning on rain music or something rather than having a show or movie going with my phone out. It is a slow process, but I am proud of how far I have come from where I was and I really enjoyed your video and your journey with it.

[@ewawozniak370]

I really hope that you know how needed you are on youtube/in the "influencers" world. You might not feel it, but you're an inspiration and a breath of fresh air and I'm always excited seeing you post a video, as they never disappoint.

[@deliaiannalfo5160]

I actually quit social media 10 days ago and it's wild how much more free time I have. Instead, I read. I am now trying to kick my youtube "addiction". I wont lie, removing all distraction lead me to feeling very depressed, but it is because I finally got to *feel* all of my feelings, and confront them. It is a good thing

[@georgiannaangelidi7493]

this island and landscapes around you are ICONIC

[@chronicfish]

I'm pretty sure I'm older than your average viewer (I'm 42). I was a teen in the 90s when we didn't really have internet or mobile phones. For me, those were the best years, due to the lack of technology and social media. (Don't get me wrong, technology is great, if used wisely). IMO, an internet/social media detox is the best thing one could do, but I know it's easier said than done. I wouldn't overwhelm yourself, If you're interested in trying (whoever is reading this). Start with going to a concert and just enjoying it instead of live streaming it or doing a tik tok. In other words, be present in the moment. Experience it to the fullest, without technology as a distraction. If you keep consistently making these small changes, you will see a world of difference.

[@onenessweare]

I wholeheartedly agree with going to a Concert and being Present in the Moment.

[@toratengby503]

your videos are never a waste of time! the past couple of years i have been changing what i watch on youtube, going from mind numbing internet drama and topics i don't really care for, and now - i watch so many interesting, eye opening videos on a great range of subjects! many of them from you! i have learned so much from your channel and so have many more.

[@TR-pu8kl]

thank you for such a mindful video about the topic that bothers all of us on the daily basis! sometimes i get physically sick because of how much tiktok i use (recently it was 20 hours a week, almost like a part-time job!!!) but at the same time, i feel that religiuosly checking my screentime became an addiction itself. we really just try to find new ways of dictracting ourselves even if we do it for our own good.

[@mariannaingegneri]

you're content is AMAZING!!! i really like watching your videos exactly because of that i dont feel like i'm just distracting myself, wasting my time

[@youtuba6711]

So nice to see you in Azores! As a Portuguese it warms my heart seeing people appreciate our underrated islands! I'm glad you appreciated your time there :)

[@obiwanderouus]

“I have spent all of my 20s working (and I'm still working)... but I feel like now that I'm 30 I have the ability to be and do all the things that I wanted to do in my 20s and I couldn't.” girl, i'm currently 29 and you have no idea how much i needed to hear this, thank you

[@LuNa-zw9wu]

As someone who has been watching your videos for a few years, I have a few things to say :) (so sorry for long comment incoming ) 1. Can we talk about 13:14 - what a Pico sapphic goddess!!! Your lesbian fits are killing me again! 2. When I had to write my thesis, I had somewhat of a simmilar struggle. I do not feel smart enough to give advice but here was my approach that helped me tremendously so I hope that maybe it would help more people also. First and foremost I found that we (specially us millenials) find internet and watching videos identical to the idea of resting. When we then go on a detox, we suddenly get super productive and overwork like hell. This is also something you mentioned in the video - you felt tired, and wanted to watch something. So it helped me imensely to learn how to relax and rest without the screen. When I remember my grandfather or parents, they just sometimes rest and do nothing, it is these frequent and short tiny rests. They also do everything on a bit more relaxed/calm pace than we do. Secondly a found very helpful to replace habits, I keep a started embroidery near me, so when I have the urge to phone scroll, I just take it, embroider for a minute or thirty minutes and then when I feel slightly tired of it, I put it aside. The key is fast access, and gratification because you see you did something you like, but it does not overwhelm you with intense happiness, or make you tired which is much more healthy. Contentment is the way to go (for me personally, rather than extreme waves of moods and emotions). Replacing old habits that did not bring you that much joy in the first place with new habits you enjoy and make you feel proud of yourself is the key. For me also i find it hard starting something I have to do for long perionds of hours, so I just think small - lets read one page of a book really quick, lets write five sentences etc. And do this each time I am attracted by the shiny screen demon :D over time it became so automatic that my first thought is not the phone anymore. Sometimes I really read one page, but most time I do more, and most importantly, I also rest whilst doing it (aka pint numero uno), although at the beginning I felt pressured to be more productive, so this is why I say start with small goals and do it more often. :) Last but not least, concentrate on the positive achievement. I personally feel like going all the way all or nothing is way to dissapointment in most cases with habits. So really emphasizing on the ´´I did not look at insta today´´ etc and giving yourself tiny moments of proud joy helps. It is all about foolin the brainz :D , and give yourself some screen time, but plan what you will watch (I really like this about youtube, I just make myself some lists, and then watch only the content I want and I curated) and dont feel bad about it, it is just another thing you like, so what. :) 3. I have watched your content for quite a few years now and wanted to shortly just say how much you progressed. The way you analyze things, comes across much more human and warm and professional in a way? (sorry, english is not my first laguage so I am trying to find the correct words) Before, your videos were perfectly aesthetic, and I felt like I am looking up to someone( just my feeling tho), now, since you came to Pico, I have a feeling like you being truly more you, giving yourself more space, and being closer with us viewers (but maybe this is also due to the same age), it feels like we are sitting with you in a garden, the ocean is near and having a heart to heart convo just about life,. I dont know, cant really express it, but I love it and it also makes me inspired to do my things as well. So thank you :)

[@danute1735]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BeautybyLanica]

what a fantastic comment, thanks for sharing Lu! :)

[@OhMehli]

I don't feel like watching your videos is a waste of time AT ALL! Honestly, to me it feels like breaking into another world, like talking to a freind and I love it. Maybe that's also something bad, that a sometimes crave to break free from my reality, but I don't care lol. All jokes aside: social media wouldn't be this toxic place if more content creators were a little more like you - like actually using their brain, talking about what helps them with their problems, what helps the world, inspiring a life free from sociatal standards and consumerism, but also giving a reality check once in a while. THANK YOU KRISTEN ♥♥

[@Fresa777love]

I watch your videos when I am choosing to consume more mindfully. Even when I'm mindlessly watching videos while scrolling on instagram I often get out of that trance after watching your videos because they are so intentionally made. peaceful, thought provoking, and fun to watch

[@KristenLeo]

😭💛 so glad that’s not just something I strive for but how people ACTUALLY feel when watching my videos

[@pauli_joy]

Man oh man you have no idea how much this healed me Cuz I'm also going through an internet detox and recently because of my period and just me having to separate myself from enjoyable yet toxic content I love,I've felt so depressed hhh But watching this made me feel so seen because every experience you've had is exactly like mine 😭😭😭

[@wildrayy]

Me watching your video and scrolling on Instagram 👀 when you mentioned two screens in front of you, I felt guilty af

[@KristenLeo]

😂😂😂 good to know I’m not the only one

[@wildrayy]

@@KristenLeo you’re definitely not. The worst thing is when I work my laptop, watch KZbin on tv and scroll on my phone all at the same time, I think this is the ultimate bottom 😂😂

[@d.c.7285]

The thing that you do here, you say, you show in your video is valuable for me. It really is. I recently discovered tiktok videos on youtube and it is a Black Hole, I just cannot control myself. I used to make no-internet days on the day when I wasn't working and it was cool, but now I need more of those days and also a bit of self-control to not sleep 12 hours and to do at least something, just one thing from the list of things that I have to or want to do or accomplish. Thank you for that video.

[@maybeonethey]

I was waiting for this kind of content when i think two videos ago you said "if you still have the attention span, you can just watch this video". (or something like that) It actually got me thinking a lot. I don't spend a lot of time online for pleasure, i also work online, not a content creator but i am a freelance translator and that requires me to work all day in front of a screen. Sometimes i work more and sometimes less. I deactivated instagram a couple months ago and that was the best decision i have ever made for myself really. I took the decision because i started to look at only instagram 3+ hours a day only scrolling. And that filthy app was feeding me just stupid, dumb content that i didn't want to consume anymore. I thought it was making me stupid. I admire your strength because if i were you i think i couldn't stop myself from just watching some reels or looking at the discovery page while i posted something for work. Also i realized that slowly my eyes were getting really bad. I had to get blue light protection glasses and that helped plenty. I used to watch something to distract myself whenever i wasn't working but i slowly got into the habit of just eating and looking out the window to give my eyes the much needed rest. Whenever i can, i just turn off my computer and try to think. Actually one time one of my friends asked me what kind of music i was listening to and i said i don't listen to music, i just listen to the birds chirping. He thought i was crazy lmao. Even though that's not always the case, i try my best to be aware of and pay attention to my surroundings. It definitely increases the attention span and helps with the memory also.

[@dace8828]

My biggest vice on youtube are japanese and south korean vlog style day in my life videos. I just love the vibe and aesthetic. I just switched on one and promised myself i'll put my gadgets down after watching one and go for a walk

[@SapphireWolf1996]

Your videos are really thought-provoking. Definitely worth my time.

[@GwendolynnBY]

interesting to see how many of us are going through this right now! for the past 6 weeks I've been intentionally cutting down on my screen time, but my biggest offender is still youtube. I recently unsubscribed from several people when I realized I only watch their videos as a distraction and to fill up the silence. I didn't go on a full detox, though maybe I should. I really realized how important it was when I went on a trip to visit friends, and when I came back, my phone notified me that I'd used my phone 29 hours less than the previous week. that was a scary realization about how much I had used it during normal weeks. yesterday, I saw someone say (quote?) that we think we want comments, when really we want community. I think the fact that I was with friends, and so not using my phone as much, really shows that.

[@penpolyon8179]

You have inspired me. I have been struggling with my mental health a bit this past year with feeling a bit lost and aimless, with scheen time playing a role of creating static in my brain to stop the numbness. And I've come to the realisation that my mental state is directly proportionate to how much phone time I have. I've turned off all notifications on my phone and that has helped but, lately I've been slipping again. I think I need to do a detox like you and try reset, hopefully I can figure out a way of having a healthy relationship with the urge to constantly distract myself. Thankfully I've never downloaded ticktok it would be the death of me. As you called it and emotional slot machine, that's exactly what phone time for me is and I need to control it. Thank you Kristen 💜

[@fleur3199]

Thank you so much for this useful input I recently see on your channel.. it was also great before but I realize that you speak of so many things which give me new reflections and improve my life, thank you Kristen.. By the way, you're one of the sustainability influencers that aroused my consciousness on sustainability several years ago. I love that you critically reflect on everything also the communities your in (e.g. vegan community).. it is so much more useful to address the ups and downs, the pros and cons instead of only showing brights sides to convince people.. Your contribution on KZbin is incredible Kristen !!! Keep on going. I hope your are doing well.

[@inuyasha1910]

My passion has always been drawing and I spend countless hours drawing on my ipad which is a cool and artistic activity but also still counts as screen watching and destroy my eyes

[@architectsneedunions]

completely agree about instagram becoming horribly annoying since they put videos in the feed. it feels like they saw what tiktok was doing to people and said 'hey, we need to become just as addictive!'

[@Noriko23]

I so feel where you’re coming from! I deleted Facebook and Instagram apps recently to try to distraction detox. Still have a lame phone game. Now that I’m graduating from college this month I want to spend more time on music and reading, the things I loved as a kid. Best of luck to us!

[@Lisa-Masson]

I stopped using Instagram at the start of the summer and got a little lock box to put my phone in at night. Tik tok is truly so addictive though. I can’t seem to break that one. Loved the video! So relatable and the spiral at the end was amazing hahaha. Can’t wait to read your book!

[@hallehuckleberry]

kristen, i’m happy to say that your videos & art is more than just entertainment for me; some videos have brought up amazing ideas that i still think about and some videos told me about life lessons that i have yet to experience myself.

[@maryv8980]

Great video, thank you for this topic! Spending a lot of time on distracting ourselves with phone apps is a major problem of our days, so I think we should all look at minimizing the time we spent there and get more creative!

[@everydaysaschool-day7517]

So you watched a few shows - at least you aren't drinking or doing drugs to distract yourself. I know a lot of folks who do that! We do need time to switch off and check out from the reality of life. The bit at the end where you said you were spiraling - that's sometimes what I need to escape from by zoning out. But I do agree that we waste so much of our lives online. I'm going to try and be a lot more mindful of my screen time from now on... It's such a hard balance to strike.

[@taxypalmia368]

also my phone broke and for the first time in months i went into the bus without headphones, it was horrendous. Before that i had deactivated instagram and deleted facebook from my phone. Instagram was the hardest one because i constantly take pictures with nothing to do with them and no means to show people :( But i am extremely hypochondriac so u inspired me to start a reddit and internet detox because i research about illnesses all the time :(

[@paulinepiolin9162]

Thank you for this ! It was so good to see you being real and admitting how hard it is to stop these habits, I’m also struggling with how I use social media for distraction and I think I would have felt terrible if you had been like « didn’t watch any reality show or touch my phone for a month easy peasy » cos it IS such a struggle !

[@anasoares2062]

the wrong thing in the cycle of getting tired all the time is give space for the boredom in your day, for the true boredom (and it's great for creativity). Byung-Chul Han explores this pretty well in the book "burnout society". That "boredom" is located in other time domain, that isn't in the same place of the time of constant productivy ps: sorry for the mistakes, i'm a portuguese speaker

[@Kaffeyyyyy]

I don't really watch tv shows anymore because i'm always on ig scrolling through pointless shit and i hate that. Feels like my brain is rotting

[@cjns]

I'm not sure if you will read this, but I have been watching you for years and I am HERE for your content in the past year or so. It's so refreshing and I feel like we are genuinely hanging out. You are rly tempting me to give it all up and move to this island to have a sapphic cottagecore dream life with you!!! But I want to say, I felt the "distraction addiction" thing so hard. I feel like I am also constantly trying to distract myself while knowing it's not good to be constantly trying to distract myself. Life is hard and full of difficult things. Just like with drugs or alcohol, abstinence has been shown to not be effective. So I think influencers of the "that girl" variety trying to portray how they never use their phones or binge watch Netflix are just lying to the world and making us feel shitty about ourselves. Sometimes it's necessary to completely dissociate and watch 6 hours of TV, do I feel good after? No. But I think it's about trying to find that balance of experiencing life without technology and using technology to further our knowledge and curiosity. Okay long comment over now, I am obsessed w you and look forward to all of your content. xoxoxo Colleen from the middle of nowhere NY.

[@CherrrrBear]

I recently did this with Facebook and twitter. Facebook was my biggest offender I got it when it was first invented when it was just for college kids bc I was in my first year in 2004. So I was pretty addicted. I deleted both FB and Twitter 8 months ago now (Jan 2022) and I’ve never been happier my mental health is so much better so if anyone else is thinking about it *JUST DO IT!*

[@triptripp1873]

never had tiktok, instagram never stuck with me, dont watch reality tv and shows so much, but i am a hard youtube addict. i even ended up watching tiktok complilations.... it sucks. i have even started grabbing my phone immediately when my bf or my friends leave the room for 2 seconds. i need to constatly be distracted. thats not good. it doesnt allow me to get bored and end up occupying my mind with something better, like my comic or my studies.

[@livophil]

Hi Kristen, I have recently discovered your channel and I absolutely LOVE your content and aesthetics! I feel like watching your videos have really made me more environmentally conscious, and you have set such a great example of an alternative lifestyle (which I envy very much xx) away from the consumerism that has infiltrated our lives. Personally, I've never been very into the consumerist culture of pursuing what is new and buying trendy brands (which I think is really good because I don't have much trouble controlling any purchase urges). However, recently I've also been consciously working towards seriously questioning myself whether I need something before buying it, because I do notice that I buy a sizeable amount of things that just lie around unused. Regarding the social media addiction - recently I've increasingly started to feel very empty and agitated after scrolling through social media for extended periods of time, so I'm trying to implement an alternative form of pastime to relax my brain - either reading magazines (which come off as less serious and chill reading than books) or listening to podcasts; so that has personally helped me a bit. Also, scrolling through instagram whilst watching something else is honestly enormously relatable for me - I literally do that all the time and i would miss out on what I'm watching and have to rewind lol.

[@gabiquinones5953]

I love u Kristen. Always loved the content you make, thanks for everything but specially for this one. I mostly appreciate how honest and transparent u are.

[@janedesert9110]

Finally somebody is talking about this! I have now tried to overcome my youtube/netflix/tv-show/audiobook addiction for years! always failed! And I am bad at moderation...:(

[@pauli_joy]

Holy shit girl THIS IS MY EXACT EXPERIENCE TOO?! The way I went back to my toxic(yet undeniably enjoyable) internet cravings during my period even after I went thru my own detox So girl you ain't alone in this 😅 ig our brains just can't discipline ourselves when the period time comes around hahaha

[@laurat1012]

omg i just binge watched succession s1 and 2 as well ahh it’s so good

[@danielle.moore.22]

Thank you for documenting this process, very insightful 🧠💗

[@emmarijsman04]

I think conscious consumption should be the goal. The problem for me at least is using my phone when I don't actually want to but it is just so automatic. Like you mentioned, waking up and finding your finger hovering over instagram. Asking yourself hey is watching this making me truly happy and energetic right now? No? what can? Sometimes I can't think of anything and I lay on the ground till I can think of something. Ps. I know for me there is nothing that I would rather do then watching your videos💕

[@emmarijsman04]

seriously try the laying on the ground thing. In this fast pase world we don't get enough time to process things and end up not appreciating anything and feeling overwhelmed. For me it works wonders to live a happier live. Yes I just wrote that sentence about lying on the floor😂

[@bakubaku087]

HELL YEEEES KRISTEN TIME

[@artemis1708]

Hi Kristen! Now instead of binge-watching TV I'm gonna watch your another wortwhile video! Always so inspiring (and positively addictive)❤ Huge thank you😁

[@martycosplay]

I just decluttered youtube channels that I follow and ended up on number 12! Because watching this video made me think, that I basically come on youtube to watch you, two Sims players and one fashionista and that's all! I kept 2 additional comfort channels, 2 tarot channels, one vegan recipe channel and 3 channels of my friends that I want to still support. I started at 77, so I'm quite proud of myself for doing this! I figured I can still resubscribe to anyone I end up missing, but I feel like doing this will greatly decrease my screen time, as I waste most of my time watching random youtube videos :D THANK YOU FOR THIS WAVE OF INSPIRATION KRISTEN!!

[@KristenLeo]

Holy molly feel very happy I made it to your top 12 🥹💛

[@ellemoonriver]

I don't know, I see it as a very conflicted topic. Of course it is addictive and ends up wasting all your time, but I do believe we also need to consume content either to relax and spark our imaginations (ig. Movies!) and for inspiration. I love social media for inspiration. I am a very visual person and appreciate the content. I do find myself thinking if I spent this same amount of time on reading instead I would have read so many books, probably haha But I can't Vilanize the internet as for me is a huge source of learning and inspiration! I just keep myself in check, don't stop living in the real world and doing better with my time..

[@fina3472]

kristen you are always such an inspiration for me. thank you for this.

[@k74728]

I had tiktok for like 4-5 months and I realized it just made me so agitated and aggressive. It made me feel so out of control emotionally. That sounds so dramatic, but it really felt like a true addiction because of the slot machine type of algorithm. I’m working on cutting down IG time now. Other than IG, I’m down to just KZbin and sometimes Pinterest. I feel so much better with fewer platforms.

[@shonna5309]

the way i was playing subway surfers on my phone while watching this... like can my mind not handle.. peace?

[@vitezroman8569]

your videos ARE worthwhile. i've only discovered your channel recently and - gosh! i'm happy i did. and as someone who's recently relocated to portugal herself, i am very curious about your adventures here. i do wonder though, how did you have the energy to spend so much time online? it seems like work (i know your job is making videos, but apart from that - another job.)

[@tamerebel]

Congrats on finishing the first draft!! The axe guy sounds sooo scary, I'm glad nobody got hurt!

[@KristenMelissa]

I love your videos so much! This was very much not a waste of my time. Yes to conscious consumption!! I'm working on this myself and it is so hard.

[@traceycrosby7942]

Me watching this as I’m also editing on my laptop 😵‍💫👩🏻‍💻 love the message, reminds me I need to be more conscious!

[@shaliekk]

19:01 I can't deal with how good your hair looks in this clip

[@missmatti]

You inspired me to do a distraction detox too!🤩 I love that it's not a full-on digital detox but more addressing what sucks our time/energy and focusing on what we want to do instead. Well done for finishing your first draft! I have two sewing project videos I want to finish and I think a challenge like this will allow me the focus to do that. Also I am so in love with your earrings! 😍

[@kalpic11]

why would that give me an existential crisis

[@doritamills]

I have the same two screen problem. When I realise it, I get frustrated with myself. Also, about tiktok, the app has the option to put a time limit and also a code and I found that it really helped me truck time and not spend hours upon hours scrolling.

[@stephanieg2887]

I have been doing the same thing after watching Shanspears video a couple of weeks ago. Its horrifying how long i am online all the time. And it was unsettling that my mental health declined once i stopped going online💔i didnt realize how much I was using it to cope. And im not gonna be too hard on myself bc its been a year, but im still working on finding healthier and less numbing distractions

[@taxypalmia368]

i cant even sleep without white noise (or brown or whatever they call it rn), the only thing that helped me read more without distractions are 2 things: 1. i can't concentrate in reading while music or videos play because i probably have adhd or smth 2. I bought a kindle that allows me to stare at a screen all day that doesnt damages my eyes and also allows me to read books! So with kindle time passes like im on my phone but it's while reading?? i cant explain but if you struggle with reading more go for it! It was really hard for me to go back to reading fast and without distractions especially after quarantine because i accompanied my online classes with eating, texting, watching series and scrolling at the same time lol, the struggle to watch a whole movie without picking up your phone is unbearable

[@TheChavert]

I just wanted to say that you are a big inspiration for me and I hope you are enjoying yourself and I really look forward to your book!

[@starryeyedcentaur]

I related so much to everything that you said and experienced during your detox. Thank you, again, for amazing content!! I’d be really interested to see you explore the book publishing world-are you perhaps planning a video on looking for an editor/agent/publishing house?

[@ariellyons1488]

I'm currently writing my thesis and this hit home to how much time I waste on distractions. Also, not hitting the writing count goal for the week is painfully relatable.... Consider me influenced by the influencer

[@laurenmichele6806]

I feel the same regarding Tiktok, I had to delete it because it was exactly like you said, an emotional slot machine. I liked a lot of the creators I followed but the toll on my mental health just wasn't worth keeping it around

[@CoffeeAndShop]

The hardest part of detoxing on internet for me is that I have no replacement that is equivalent. What am I supposed to do to help me wake up when I am still laying in bed? what should I do if I sit somewhere waiting for the bus? What do I do when I sit on the toilet trying to poop? Reading a book, doing quizzes etc is sometimes not logistically possible, too exhausting or simply not what I want to do.

[@lucythaxter6723]

That's the point tho, we need to re learn how to be bored again and actually be present, look at the trees, notice the smells around you etc. Your brain shouldn't be constantly stimulated.

[@metrotom8189]

I think the problem with people doing internet detox is that they feel like there’s a need to be productive all the time. Sometimes, you just have to do recreational activities: drawing, cooking, reading, strolling or daydreaming. Entertainment is not bad so long as you are deliberate about it and it is used in moderation.

[@bookishdaydreams4993]

Good job on the bok! Finishing a book is seriously impressive. Also, you inspired me to start a little internet detox too. Mine will just be nine days long (I have an exam in nine days 😅) but I’ll make sure to reevaluate how I want to continue after it’s done!

[@laurenglaze2571]

This is extremely relatable and I admire your efforts! Inspires me to do a bit better

[@Tasmetu]

Proud of you! Hope you keep going with the mindset of investing your time in healthier habits for your mental health 🥰

[@Tasmetu]

Also, not me writing this comment while I am supposed to write, too. Oops.

[@Tasmetu]

And not me clocking my hair at 18:12 😂😂

[@bloomin_eva3144]

Thank you for this honest report of how your challenge went! I always feel so terrible when the perfect people on the internet manage everything they set out to do. After all we are still human. We can detox and improve the way we spend our time but dog/cat videos will always be SO FUN!

[@StancyNova]

No doubt that your content is valuable! It’s very visible that you are putting a lot of effort in your videos, because the quality is really good. Your stories are not boring, and you can really keep attention on the story that you are telling.

[@marialala21]

ειναι κατι που το σκεφτομαι παρα πολυ εντονα τις τελευταιες μερες και επαθα σοκ μολις ειδα οτι ανεβασες βιντεο με αυτο το θεμα😯

[@Rose-ew3fu]

thank you so much for your transparency 💌

[@cnalozie]

Merge dragons had a chokehold on me in the pandemic. like watching my creatures grow was SO satisfying.

[@xeniasarantaena3266]

Watching Kristen at the beach AGAIN?!?! WHAT IS MY LIFE!!!

[@KristenLeo]

💅💅💅 living your best life

[@ntlnil3319]

Currently an Tilos island -on social media detox-but forgot my book while at the beach... guess what this girl also doing!😅

[@zembelle]

Not me down here reading the comments in the middle of the video because it's not distracting or stimulating enough 🙃 and becoming self aware of this when you bring up the two screen thing

[@michaeladinou8421]

What kind of drink is that at 10:06? It looks absolutely delicious

[@Claudiadavena]

You are such a fountain of relatable inspiration thank you love you

[@isabeleloise2013]

I really needed this video! Been struggling withe the same stuff as well.

[@alexonline2340]

i really needed this!!! thank you