With time, Netflix has become the leading platform to stream movies and TV shows. While binge-watching has become one of the favorite pastimes of people of all ages, it can turn into an addiction in no time. Many people do not realize that Netflix addiction can be detrimental to their health, leading to various physical and mental health illnesses. So, if you are in the same boat, then keep reading this article to find out ways to get rid of your Netflix addiction.
Before diving into the solution, let’s understand what is meant by Netflix addiction and it can be harmful to you.
What Is Netflix Addiction?
The term ‘Netflix addiction’ refers to a situation where a person is addicted to his or her screen time, to find a sense of relief while watching movies and TV shows on Netflix. This dependency may worsen over time, causing a wide range of problems to the addict’s mind and body.
It may begin as an escape from real-life problems to find solace in the video content available on Netflix. However, this overstimulation may build up with time, draining you of your time and energy. This can lead to many behavioral disorders where the addiction controls the person’s life, relationships, sleeping habits, work life, and overall life satisfaction.
With technological advancement, young people are becoming prone to binge-watching due to the ease of accessibility. You don’t need to entirely depend on your laptop or desktop PC anymore, as your smartphone is just as capable of streaming your favorite movies and TV shows on Netflix as any other smart device. Besides, mobile hotspots have made it easier to connect to the internet while on the go, which increases the possibility of young kids and teens becoming addicted to Netflix.
4 Steps to Cure Your Netflix Addiction
Now that you have realized that you are addicted to Netflix, it is time for you to explore different ways to overcome this addiction. Here are the steps you need to follow to stop binge-watching on Netflix:
Step 1: Know the Problem
Instead of beating yourself up for becoming an addict, you need to understand your problem on a deeper level. From relationships to professional life, see how it impacts your overall well-being. Notice how your focus in life is limited to just one thing while you are supposed to put your attention on various other aspects of life.
Step 2: Deactivate Your Netflix Account
The next step is to delete your Netflix account. You don’t need to pay for your next month’s subscription anymore. Remove the Netflix app from your devices so that you could avoid the chances of streaming content on Netflix. If you are finding it hard to give up on your streaming habits, then you may need to sign up for TV and internet packages to catch up on your favorite TV shows once a week.
Step 3: Find Alternatives to Binge-Watching
Since binge-watching on Netflix can affect your productivity, you should consider switching to cable and internet bundles for a balanced life. This way, you can still watch your favorite content on your TV, yet it will not turn into an addictive habit that can interrupt your daily life routine. Besides, there are a lot of other ways to deal with your addiction. For example, you can put your focus on learning a new skill, a new hobby, or helping a community of people as charity work. This trigger a rewarding response in your brain, helping you replace your old habits with some productive work. However, you need to stay consistent; otherwise, there is a chance that you may end up going back to your old ways of living life.
Step 4: Therapy
If you have tried all the steps listed above, yet your addiction hasn’t been cured at all, then your best bet is to go for therapy. Your mental health therapist will devise a treatment plan that works out for you. It may require you to stay in a place without a TV or access to the internet. So, if you are serious about taking the self-help route to your recovery, then do as your therapist says to overcome your Netflix addiction as quickly as possible.
Closing Thoughts
Since Netflix addiction can take a toll on your mental and physical health, you need to follow the abovementioned steps for curing your addiction. Start by understanding all the negative side effects of your Netflix addiction. Then, remove your Netflix app from your devices and deactivate your Netflix account. Instead of binge-watching, look for new ways to keep yourself occupied so that you don’t feel the need to stream on Netflix any longer. Besides, Netflix addiction therapy is one of the most effective ways to cure your addiction under the supervision of a professional therapist. So, stay consistent and you will get rid of your harmful addiction in no time!