For nearly two years, I managed to stay away from Instagram, enjoying a break from the constant storm of images and videos that always wasted my time. However, I slipped right back into the reels section after my break-up. What started as a way to distract myself quickly turned into an addiction of sorts. I knew I needed to fix this before it got worse. This goddammned app messed up my sleep schedule.
Initial Challenges
At first, Instagram Reels seemed like the perfect distraction. The short, engaging videos offered a quick escape from the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. The algorithm fed me the kind of content I couldn’t keep away from. It created my echo chamber. But what began as a coping mechanism soon spiralled out of control. I spent hours each day mindlessly scrolling (4 Hours straight), losing track of time and neglecting my responsibilities. My productivity plummeted, and I was staying up late, unable to put my phone down. And then eventually falling asleep with watery eyes and a headache.
I started researching ways to curb my Instagram addiction without deactivating my account. One evening, while scrolling, I came across an app called NoScroll (some tech guy on YT shorts recommended it, lol), an Android app designed to help users manage their social media usage. NoScroll automatically shuts down Instagram and other short-form content platforms when you open them, effectively cutting off the temptation to scroll endlessly. Because there are times when you take your phone out to look at the time and after 10 minutes into some random fashion reel you realize, WTAF!
After installing the app every time I tried to open Instagram Reels, NoScroll would shut it down, reminding me of my goal to reduce screen time. This has saved me from staying up at night and from headaches too.
This Break-up has messed me up and I’m trying multiple things to recover from this. I have started running and that dopamine kick early in the morning feels great. But it’s still tricky to keep my head from getting distracted. I’m trying. Also, if possible, start doing push-ups whenever your hands try to reach for your phone.
Conclusion
So far reflecting on my journey, I feel a profound sense of achievement. Overcoming my addiction to Instagram Reels has been rewarding. I don’t know if this app is available on the app store but there are other paid options for iPhones and if you’re someone struggling with reels addiction I’d suggest you give this app a try.
We all know balance is key and yet we always fail to maintain it.
