u/Local-Mission-2966

I always used to think reading more books was such cliche advice but it was never about what you read, it was always about the act of reading itself.

The brain doesn't seek stimulation because modern technology has programmed it to, it's doing it because it's designed for survival. Scrolling feels rewarding in the anticipation of what's next, just like early man felt rewarded he's about to find food. The few seconds excitement of discovery has always been the highest point of stimulation and driving factor of behaviour, which is exploited by all these companies and influencers competing for your attention.

The solution for me wasn't dopamine detox, even trying it to the extreme like monk mode. No matter how many times I tried I'd always relapse, because the right approach isn't elimination, it's a replacement. You can't simply consciously reprogram a subconscious behaviour written in your genes. The common aspect of randomly checking your phone, opening an app, game, website, is that it's mainly done subconsciously. Consciously engineering behaviours will always create resistance.

Reading doesn't tell you that you need motivation from somewhere, enforce discipline, stick to consistency, keep the habit regardless of how bad your day is, how you're feeling. It's the simplest and easiest automatic subconscious process to engage with which effortlessly draws focus, silences your monkey mind, allows your brain to follow and digest a train of thought. The biggest benefit of reading isn't learning new information, it's developing the ability to stay focused.