Breaking Another Addiction

Recently I removed the google fit from my phone. I originally installed it to test the accuracy of my partner's watch, and then was strangely unable to remove it.

It is embarrassing to admit, as I've been vocal about the evils of google, never use the search engine, avoid social media (except for the gemini kind), and am generally privacy-bound. But I became completely addicted to fit.

I've taken up running in the last couple of years, and watching numbers on the fit app became a big part of the process of pushing myself. Hitting the heart points target definitely provided much-needed endorphins. And even on days when I couldn't get the steps, checking the histogram did something to my brain.

I found it surprisingly hard to avoid interacting with the app. I found myself dragging the phone with me on walks where I otherwise would not bring the phone. I found myself getting off the treadmill because I forgot the phone and didn't want to 'waste' the steps.

And so, last month, I uninstalled the app, cold turkey. It left a strange hole in my daily routine, but wasn't too bad. My new goal is 30 minutes of running daily, slacking off if I feel I may hurt myself. So far so good.

🚀 stack

Feb 05 · 3 months ago · 👍 mediocregopher, Ruby_Witch

1 Comment

🚀 stack [OP] · Feb 06 at 18:16:

Sadly I am detecting a time-based addict-like behavior. When I hit the 30-minute goal, I can hear myself thinking "Another 6 minutes and it will be 3 miles", and then, a few more to 5K... Is it just me or is bullshitting and cajoling your present self for the sake of your future self normal for everyone?