LilChenChen's Journal

[lilX]

Dude, I had the same problem two days ago - thinking too much for a long period of time.

The best way to deal with it is to schedule breaks during your mental type of work (I use at least 10 minutes of break after 50 minutes of work)

It's called "changing channels", so all you need to do during break is to switch type of energy you used.

If you've been working mentally, then do a bit of physical exercises or even dance a bit for these 10 minutes!

This will give you refresh in your mind and more energy to take actions!

For me it works, try it and tell me if it works for you too!

Greetings, Mad Pharmacist.

Hi Mad Pharmacist! 

My problem is I keep thinking about somethings that happened in the past. I have a internal voice that just keeps talking nonstop even when I'm trying to meditate, sleep, work, drive, anything, and I have problem keeping focused on whatever I am doing. I tried meditating on Headspace and I just zoned out and stopped listening to the guided meditation guy. I was diagnosed with ADD in university.  

I tried scheduling breaks many times in the past. Scheduling breaks doesn't work for me because I will not be able to take breaks in moderation. What works for me is to get myself so interested in whatever I am doing that I become focused on it and I don't want breaks. Besides, Elon Musk works 80-100 hours a week and he is not burned out yet. 

I think that scheduling more time to try to meditate and journal will be helpful.

Day 29 

Daily: 

Workout: 1 hour 50 minutes

Healthy Eating: 6.7/10 

Hygiene: 5/10

Mindful/focus: 3/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 2.5 minutes

Journal: done

Posture: 3/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: done 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 2 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 15 minutes

Porn watching: 0

 

Edited July 19, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Cam Adair]

Keep meditating. The point of meditation isn't to "not" have thoughts or get distracted, it's to notice when you are and to bring yourself back to your focus. That's why it's one of the best training grounds for focus. When you practice it in meditation, then when you get distracted in life, which always happens, you are able to bring yourself back to your focus.

[Mad Pharmacist]

All right, everyone is different, but when I was working up to 100 hours a day, the only thing I gained was neurosis.

So I can't disagree that working without breaks for hours is a good idea.

Sitting and doing nothing and briefing is just a weird ritual and I don't really recommend that, but if it works for you, then it's your choice.

And I think that inner voice is just a normal thing, and listening to it, is the best way to know yourself better. Talking with ourselves is the best way to do this, because you're more aware during this process instead of doing something connected so strong to New Age religion.

And I don't want to encourage or discourage you to anything, I just want to make you more aware of that what meditation really is

Greetings, Mad Pharmacist.

[lilX]

All right, everyone is different, but when I was working up to 100 hours a day, the only thing I gained was neurosis.

So I can't disagree that working without breaks for hours is a good idea.

Sitting and doing nothing and briefing is just a weird ritual and I don't really recommend that, but if it works for you, then it's your choice.

And I think that inner voice is just a normal thing, and listening to it, is the best way to know yourself better. Talking with ourselves is the best way to do this, because you're more aware during this process instead of doing something connected so strong to New Age religion.

And I don't want to encourage or discourage you to anything, I just want to make you more aware of that what meditation really is

Greetings, Mad Pharmacist.

Thanks for reading the journal and advice. 

I'm sure I think differently from you.. my thoughts used to lead to dark places very often, though it's getting a lot better recently. 

What do you recommend me to do for breaks? 

I'm interested in reading scientific evidence of why meditation is not helpful. 

I think it's admirable that you have done 100 hours of work/study a week. I am sure less than 3% of the population have the ability to do that. My personal best is 75 hours of somewhat productive work in one week.  I do agree that 100 hours is too much to be healthy for us mere mortals who are not Elon Musk.  

 

Keep meditating. The point of meditation isn't to "not" have thoughts or get distracted, it's to notice when you are and to bring yourself back to your focus. That's why it's one of the best training grounds for focus. When you practice it in meditation, then when you get distracted in life, which always happens, you are able to bring yourself back to your focus.

I do agree that getting distracted and having thoughts is part of the meditation process. Thanks for the encouragement. 

 

 

 

Today is a relatively productive day so far. I had some cravings yesterday night but I got over it.  

 

Day 30

Daily: 

Workout: 10 minutes

Healthy Eating: 4.2/10 

Hygiene: 7/10

Mindful/focus: 2.9/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 

Journal: done

Posture: 3/10

Sleep: 9:00 pm, 8:30am to 9:45am

wake: 6:40am 

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness:

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 

Mindless News Reading: 

Porn watching: 0

 

Day 31 7:56pm

Daily: 

Workout: 35 minutes

Healthy Eating: 7.9/10 

Hygiene: 8.1/10

Mindful/focus: 3.1/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 3 minutes

Journal: done

Posture: 3/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: done

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 15minutes

Mindless News Reading: 5 minutes

Porn watching: 0

 

Edited July 19, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Mad Pharmacist]

I'm interested in reading scientific evidence of why meditation is not helpful. 

All right, here you are!

• Number one
• Number two
• Number three
• Number four
• Number five
• Number six
• Number seven
• Number eight
• Number nine
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3092572/The-dark-meditation-mindfulness-Treatment-trigger-mania-depression-psychosis-new-book-claims.html
• http://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-237-the-cost-of-the-senate-audit-the-cheater-s-high-parkour-prison-breaks-more-1.3109635/can-mindfulness-meditation-have-negative-side-effects-1.3109670
• http://www.lorinroche.com/dangers/homeless.html
• http://www.suggestibility.org/surprise.php

What you do (either meditate or not) is not about a science (which also seems to agree with negative effects of meditation and yoga), it's about your faith. If you believe in New Age or satanism or Buddhism with fully awareness what is the main goals of these religions is, then you should meditate as long and as often as possible.

However if you don't believe into it, then you should avoid it at all cost.

The choice is yours, I'm just bringing you some facts to be more aware of that decision

Greetings, Mad Pharmacist

[lilX]

I'm interested in reading scientific evidence of why meditation is not helpful. 

All right, here you are!

• Number one
• Number two
• Number three
• Number four
• Number five
• Number six
• Number seven
• Number eight
• Number nine
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3092572/The-dark-meditation-mindfulness-Treatment-trigger-mania-depression-psychosis-new-book-claims.html
• http://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-237-the-cost-of-the-senate-audit-the-cheater-s-high-parkour-prison-breaks-more-1.3109635/can-mindfulness-meditation-have-negative-side-effects-1.3109670
• http://www.lorinroche.com/dangers/homeless.html
• http://www.suggestibility.org/surprise.php

What you do (either meditate or not) is not about a science (which also seems to agree with negative effects of meditation and yoga), it's about your faith. If you believe in New Age or satanism or Buddhism with fully awareness what is the main goals of these religions is, then you should meditate as long and as often as possible.

However if you don't believe into it, then you should avoid it at all cost.

The choice is yours, I'm just bringing you some facts to be more aware of that decision

Greetings, Mad Pharmacist

Thanks! So what should I do about the constant thoughts that usually cause me anxiety, anger, or sadness? 

 

Gratefulness journal time! 

1) Gates Foundation

2) Warren Buffet donates 2.8 bil for charity, including 2.2 bil to Gates Foundation http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/warren-buffett-donates-2-2-billion-to-bill-gates-foundation/articleshow/53234507.cms

3) Bill Gate's blog. I love it! 

4) SpaceX successfully launched a rocket

5) earplugs

Edited July 19, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Cam Adair]

So what should I do about the constant thoughts that usually cause me anxiety, anger, or sadness? 

You should do what SCIENCE proves: that meditation works.

We're talking about science here, not religious dogma. I don't care if you believe in Christianity, Islam, "New Age" or any other religion. Science can speak for itself, and the scientific evidence of meditation, in 2016, is overwhelmingly in favor of its positive benefits. Religion has no business in this debate. It's a secular issue.

Edited July 19, 2016 by Cam Adair

[SpiNips]

I really have a problem with thinking too much. It always takes me a while to fall asleep. Last night it took me 6 hours. There is almost always a story playing in my head and I have a hard time shutting down and relaxing. 

Edited Wednesday at 5:18 P

Yo! A thing that helped me was reading about how to lower my heart rate in a book called The Willpower Instinct. The book advised to take deep and slow breaths and just relax with them. This has been helpful for me.

Also, nice gratitude journal!  

[lilX]

So what should I do about the constant thoughts that usually cause me anxiety, anger, or sadness? 

You should do what SCIENCE proves: that meditation works.

We're talking about science here, not religious dogma. I don't care if you believe in Christianity, Islam, "New Age" or any other religion. Science can speak for itself, and the scientific evidence of meditation, in 2016, is overwhelmingly in favor of its positive benefits. Religion has no business in this debate. It's a secular issue.

Okay I will continue with just using the scientifically proven parts of meditation practices then. 

I do see The Mad Pharmacist's point of Buddhist meditation being potentially dangerous. I was just reading about a Tantric Buddhists guru who have HIV and convince his followers that having sex with him is the path to ego depletion. http://www.thenakedmonk.com/2012/09/30/when-buddhism-is-a-cult/

I saw a poster from a buddhist sect that one of my clients went to that claims the leader is omnipotent and perfect. The sect doesn't seem to be helping him because my client is super stressed and not thinking straight right now. I'd think twice of joining a buddhist sect that worships a living person to that degree. 

I really have a problem with thinking too much. It always takes me a while to fall asleep. Last night it took me 6 hours. There is almost always a story playing in my head and I have a hard time shutting down and relaxing. 

Edited Wednesday at 5:18 P

Yo! A thing that helped me was reading about how to lower my heart rate in a book called The Willpower Instinct. The book advised to take deep and slow breaths and just relax with them. This has been helpful for me.

Also, nice gratitude journal!  

Yeah, deep slow breathes is something that I try to get in a habit of doing when stressed. I will read the summary of Willpower Instinct and consider buying the book later today. 

Day 32 2:09pm

Daily: 

Workout: 0

Healthy Eating: 7/10 

Hygiene: 7.5/10

Mindful/focus: 2.8/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 0

Journal: done

Posture: 2.8/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 1/3

Act of kindness: done - saw a fallen speed limit sign and emailed the minister of transportation about it. 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 40minutes

Mindless News Reading: 5 minutes

Porn watching: 0

 

[Cam Adair]

I do see The Mad Pharmacist's point of Buddhist meditation being potentially dangerous. I was just reading about a Tantric Buddhists guru who have HIV and convince his followers that having sex with him is the path to ego depletion. http://www.thenakedmonk.com/2012/09/30/when-buddhism-is-a-cult/

I saw a poster from a buddhist sect that one of my clients went to that claims the leader is omnipotent and perfect. The sect doesn't seem to be helping him because my client is super stressed and not thinking straight right now. I'd think twice of joining a buddhist sect that worships a living person to that degree. 

Pick a religion and we will find ample evidence of elements within that religion that are completely insane. Yes, any religion.

What I would encourage you to do is to focus less on labels and more on philosophies. Do you believe in being a good person? What does that mean to you? Do you need some random "person" who has been "anointed" by "God" to tell you how to live? No. You can make those decisions yourself by your own research. 

Just like you can find a vast number of things that are completely fucked up about ANY religion, you can also find much good. Pick the parts you resonate with and that align with your values and leave the rest. 

The problem with all religion is that it pretends to be a substitute for critical thinking and instead teaches you to "just have faith" because "God says so"..

whatever the fuck that means.  

[wookieshark88]

You can find dangerous people in every demographic where it is religious, nationality, gender, age, etc.  It's almost like those factors have minimal, if any, influence on morality and behavior.  You can't just put your trust in a person of authority without observing their words and actions first.  Claims of perfection should immediately rule out a person's trustworthiness.

I applaud your decision to stick with the science!

[WorkInProgress]

I'm interested in reading scientific evidence of why meditation is not helpful. 

 

• Number one
• Number two
• Number three
• Number four
• Number five
• Number six
• Number seven
• Number eight
• Number nine
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3092572/The-dark-meditation-mindfulness-Treatment-trigger-mania-depression-psychosis-new-book-claims.html
• http://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-237-the-cost-of-the-senate-audit-the-cheater-s-high-parkour-prison-breaks-more-1.3109635/can-mindfulness-meditation-have-negative-side-effects-1.3109670
• http://www.lorinroche.com/dangers/homeless.html
• http://www.suggestibility.org/surprise.php

@hycniejsy  So far I don't see a clear scientifical point not  to do meditation. But it is interesting to read about the negatives sideffects(which actually make a lot of sense). I feel like i have a more differentiated view of this topic and the potential dangers of meditation now. Thanks for sharing this!

Edited July 21, 2016 by WorkInProgress

[lilX]

@Cam Adair 

I see what you mean about having your own values and picking the parts in religion that you resonate with. Religious people tends to live longer, and that's something that atheists can try to learn from. 

 

You can find dangerous people in every demographic where it is religious, nationality, gender, age, etc.  It's almost like those factors have minimal, if any, influence on morality and behavior.  You can't just put your trust in a person of authority without observing their words and actions first.  Claims of perfection should immediately rule out a person's trustworthiness.

I applaud your decision to stick with the science!

Agreed! 

 

Today have been so-so in terms of productivity. I scheduled breaks where I would go outside and meditate on a bench, which seems to help me destress. I was not too focused and was reading random articles online for 45 minutes.  

 

One thing good that happened today: 

-talked to girlfriend on video chat 

 

Grateful for: 

1) Day 34 of no gaming

2) This forum have great culture

3) Sunny day today 

4) Feeling awake today

5) Yesterday went paddleboarding for the first time. 

 

Day 33

Daily: 

Workout: 30 minutes

Healthy Eating: 6.9/10 

Hygiene: 7/10

Mindful/focus: 3/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 3 minutes

Journal: done

Posture: 2.8/10

Sleep: 9pm

wake: 8am

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 1/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 5 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 10 minutes

Porn watching: 0

Day 34

Daily: 

Workout: 38 minutes

Healthy Eating: 6.8/10 

Hygiene: 6.5/10

Mindful/focus: 3/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 6 minutes

Journal: done

Posture: 3/10

Sleep: 10:20pm

wake: 7:15am

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 3/3

Act of kindness: done

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 45 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 15 minutes

Porn watching: 0

 

 

Edited July 22, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Cam Adair]

I see what you mean about having your own values and picking the parts in religion that you resonate with. Religious people tends to live longer, and that's something that atheists can try to learn from. 

Always be learning. That's my motto.

[lilX]

My goal is to lower procrastination and the internet browsing/mindless news reading time. 

Good thing that happened to me today: 

woke up at 7:15am, which is early for me 

What I'm grateful for: 

1) APEGBC and SEABC's various services and learning opportunities. I feel super privileged to be a part of SEABC and APEGBC. 

2) Less bother's by things I felt wronged about in the past

3) Talking more to grandparents and being more patient with them

4) My posture is getting better. 

5) Took me less time than usual to fall asleep yesterday. 

 

Day 35

Daily: 

Workout: 20 minutes

Healthy Eating: 7.5/10 

Hygiene: 7/10

Mindful/focus: 2.9/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 2 minutes

Journal: done

Posture: 3.5/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 15 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 5 minutes

Porn watching: 0

[wookieshark88]

Belated congratulations on passing the 30 day milestone!  It's something to be proud of!

[lilX]

Belated congratulations on passing the 30 day milestone!  It's something to be proud of!

Thanks to Cam and everyone in this forum for that! 

 

I never really talked about my personal life but I will talk about it now. 

Stayed over at girlfriend's (soon to be fiancee's) place this weekend, as I have been doing most weekends. We went hiking and watched Secret Life of Pets. I don't really like that movie because the plot is predictable. Really nice to be with her. 

Later I went to a water park with a friend and his group of friends (my girlfriend got work). One thing I liked about this friend is that he wants to try new things. He insisted on going onto every slide once, including the kiddy slides. Makes me want to try more new things with my girlfriend. 

 

Good experience that happened to me today: 

I left my car keys and gym pass on a squat rack and someone (who jacked the squat rack that I was working on lol) picked it up and gave it to me. 

 

What I'm grateful for: 

1) good qualities of my girlfriend

2) healthy eating

3) nice bench about a 5 minutes walk from my workplace that I can sit and meditate during breaks

4) girlfriend's parents seems to be ok with me 

5) my friend who invited me to the water park and his girlfriend stayed with me and made sure I'm not going down slides by myself. 

 

Day 36

Daily: 

Workout: 1 hour

Healthy Eating: 7/10 

Hygiene: 7.5/10

Mindful/focus: 3/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 1 hour

Journal: 

Posture: 3.4/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 

Mindless News Reading: 

Porn watching: 0

 

Day 37

Daily: 

Workout: 40 minutes? (went to waterpark for 7 hours but mostly just standing there waiting in line) 

Healthy Eating: 6/10 

Hygiene: 5.5/10

Mindful/focus: 3/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 5 minutes

Journal: 

Posture: 3.5/10

Sleep: 11pm

wake: 7:49am

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 14 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 

Porn watching: 0

 

Day 38 7:41pm

Daily: 

Workout: 30 minutes

Healthy Eating: 7.5/10 

Hygiene: 7/10

Mindful/focus: 2.9/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 6.5 minutes

Journal: done

Posture: 3.2/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 3/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 25 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 1 minutes

Porn watching: 0

Edited July 26, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Cam Adair]

Appreciate your consistency with your journals. Thanks for sharing! 

[lilX]

Appreciate your consistency with your journals. Thanks for sharing! 

Thanks! No one complimented me for my consistency before. 

 

 

Good experience that happened to me today: 

I dined out with my dad. 

 

What I'm grateful for: 

1) sunset

2) Micheal Jordan just donated 2 million to police relations and legal defense funds. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36889860

3) I wasn't bullied in high school because some of my classmates were really outspoken about bullying 

4) A Mormon guy who helped me in an university project. I may not have have graduated if he did not help me because I was constantly barely passing. 

5) He went on to around the world to help others and spread his religion. I'm not Mormom but I am inspired by his niceness. 

 

Day 39

Daily: 

Workout: 25 minutes

Healthy Eating: 6/10 

Hygiene: 2/10

Mindful/focus: 2.9/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 5 minutes 

Journal: done

Posture: 2.9/10

Sleep: 10pm, fell asleep about 11:30pm

wake: 3:30am, sleep 5:30am to 7:14am

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 0

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 14 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 45 minutes

Porn watching: 0

 

 

Edited July 28, 2016 by LilChenChen

[WorkInProgress]

Good to see you going. To stick at this and see your habits change is great. NIce job on all the good things you do and bad things you evade.

[lilX]

Good to see you going. To stick at this and see your habits change is great. NIce job on all the good things you do and bad things you evade.

Thanks, but I'm not doing as well as I hoped to. 

 

Well frick me I started browsing the internet today. 

Here's how I think it happened: 

Started out day tired from having a hard time falling asleep past 2 days, waking in the middle of night, and getting up early in the morning. I have acid reflux that hurts my stomach when I sleep sometimes, which doesn't help with me falling asleep. 

Had a green tea drink to help me with being tired. Caffeine is a huge trigger for me. I used to drink caffeine to feel the high and binge on games. I regret that decision and I promise myself that I won't do it again. 

Unblocked youtube to view ethics video to help me prepare for ethics exam that I need to pass to become a licensed engineer

Noticed a link to a video about anonymous official.

Thought the information could be important, clicked on link, got another link about Snowden

And then DNC reports

Eventually ended up browsing the internet for 3.5 hours. 

Reblocking youtube and bunch of other sites now. 

 

Should I continue to attempt to read news in moderation? 

Should I stop going to youtube, browsing the internet, and reading news alltogether? 

What do you think? 

 

 

Good experience that happened to me today: 

Chatted online with a Mormom friend who helped me in University. 

 

What I'm grateful for: 

1) got up early 

2) Bill Gates wrote a new blogpost that is very optimistic and positive about the world

3) Wikipedia. It's free and nonprofit! 

4) Internet. Even though there is lots of additive sites and problems, it is an amazing tool. 

5) Sleep. 

 

Day 40 9:02pm

Daily: 

Workout: 65 minutes

Healthy Eating: 6/10 

Hygiene: 3/10

Mindful/focus: 2.8/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 6 minutes 

Journal: done

Posture: 2.8/10

Sleep: N/A

wake: N/A

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 1/3

Act of kindness: done

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: green tea

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 3.5 hours

Mindless News Reading: 10 minutes

Porn watching: 0

 

 

Edited July 28, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Cam Adair]

I only browse news at the end of the day, late at night like right now (9pm).

 

[WorkInProgress]

It helps me a lot not to use youtube at all. This was my main starting point of mindless browsing. It alwas start at some helpful videos and spiral down to the bad site of youtube quickly. For me it was refreshing to see that I can go without youtube for a month. I will try in august to use it in moderation an will tell you if the break helped(I think it will be better because I have less free time then). I think your news reading isn't excessive. If I check your stats your read around 90 min last week. That is not much.

The main question is does it hinder you at what you want to achieve? I mean to fall back into bad habits and browse for some hours one day per week is no dramatic thing. The problem is that you feel the loss of control, which leads to guilt. It is a personal choice, but to try to stop all for some time and test how it influences you, could be worth a try. On the other hand, I would advice you not being to hard at yourself, The main objective is not to live the perfectly planned, productive life. More important is it to be aware of your self, so you can stop at every time you really need to stop, because your actions influence your life in a bad way. When this point is reached depends on your personal goals and values.

 

[lilX]

 

 

 

 

I only browse news at the end of the day, late at night like right now (9pm).

 

I'm going to choose to be ignorant and try not to read the news. 

 

 

 

 

The main question is does it hinder you at what you want to achieve? I mean to fall back into bad habits and browse for some hours one day per week is no dramatic thing. The problem is that you feel the loss of control, which leads to guilt.

 

 

 

I just spent the whole Wednesday night reading news without any sleep. That's like 12 hours lol.. 

Then I watched porn the next day and read more news

And then I spent about 2 hours reading news and  5 hours playing computer games on friday night that I didn't see my gf until late at night (I told her about it though.. she kicked my butt lol)  

It is a personal choice, but to try to stop all for some time and test how it influences you, could be worth a try. 

 

 

I am trying that today. I had cravings all day to browse the internet, or read news, or play games. I felt quite stressed today. 

My specialty is engineering, not politics. My engineering skills will better the world in a more meaningful way than keeping up with every detail of the news. 

The other problem with news is that even though it's reporting reality, it's reporting negative things to keep people reading. If we keep reading negative things, our perception of the world will be distorted. We need to remember that the world have never been as safe, peaceful, prosperous, and free as it is today (I welcome debate on this) 

I do feel guilty about choosing to be more ignorant and not reading the news, but I will quit reading the news. I will only read it for a few minutes when I'm with my girlfriend because I can easily do stop reading when I'm with her. 

The problem is that you feel the loss of control, which leads to guilt. It is a personal choice, but to try to stop all for some time and test how it influences you, could be worth a try. On the other hand, I would advice you not being to hard at yourself, The main objective is not to live the perfectly planned, productive life. More important is it to be aware of your self, so you can stop at every time you really need to stop, because your actions influence your life in a bad way. When this point is reached depends on your personal goals and values.

 

 

Thanks  

 

Day 1-3 9:27pm

Daily: 

Workout: 5 hours

Healthy Eating: 6/10 

Hygiene: 7/10

Mindful/focus: 3/10

Yoga/sitting meditation: 15 minutes 

Journal: done

Posture: 3/10

Sleep: 10pm-1:30am

wake: 8:30am-10:30am

read/comment on maximum 3 other journals: 0/3

Act of kindness: 

 

To Quit: 

Caffeine: 2 cups of tea

Gaming: 0

Internet Browsing: 5 minutes

Mindless News Reading: 1 minute

Porn watching: 0

 

 

Edited August 3, 2016 by LilChenChen

[Cam Adair]

Good to have an update from you!