Quitting video games, reading books

Hello!

I want to ask for some tips on how to permanently quit playing video games? I usually play in the evenings which messes my sleep and I go to bed too late. Usually I will be in bed at 2-5 am.

I have deleted all the games I played so I guess that is the first step. Should I just setup a counter the same way as I have for NoFap?

Also how could I set a good habit of reading daily and also keep the things in my memory? I like self help books and books on psychology.

I want to gain more information and be proud of myself that I read these books and I know more.

 

Video games were harder to quit than porn for me. Fortunately, I don't have a gaming friends network, so I could quit. If you use Steam and have hundreds of friends, who ask where you are if you are offline for more than a day, then it might be harder.

What helped me was getting a message dry erase board for my room, and writing the productive things I need to do daily. Also, whilst doing said productive activities (such as reading), you will feel the urge to play. As SOON as you get this urge, immediately snap your mind back to the task at hand. I have found that the more I think about my urges, the easier it is to justify them with time.

 

I guess a good way to look at it is that playing video games is just a quick fix which is not productive and just consumes time. Similar to watching porn which is not productive either.

There are more ways of having fun or spending free time that are more beneficial than playing video games.

 

Boredom , social aspect and lastly sort of escape from reality.

 

Yeah video games take time from reading for me. I mean I would rather play than read but if I take gaming out of the equation then I would read more. I do watch Netflix but limit myself to one series at a time.