[Jtsummers]

Learn to reject some of the distractions. You don't even have to reject them entirely, you mostly just need moderation. I used to play video games essentially any time I wasn't at work or eating (which was not a healthy way to deal with my anxiety and depression and chronic pain, but it was an effective distraction). I cut back on that to let myself focus on healthier or more productive activities. I still play games, not nearly as much as before obviously, but it's no longer at that former extreme, self-indulgent and destructive level.

[hn_asker]

I'm glad you cut back and realized that your health is more important. I haven't had a TV since I was in high school. I don't really play video games. It's the notion of "work" in western society that is a distraction from self-compassion. Some of it is fulfilling, some of it is soul-sucking.

I think to implement self-compassion more effectively, we need less of these soul-sucking jobs. Everyone is different though. To some, chopping wood may be fulfilling, to others not so much. So perhaps, we need more fulfilling notions of "work" and making a living.

[watwut]

I think that in your case, allow yourself some time for unproductive rest and relaxation. I don't mean this as a joke. I means this as a "it is ok and beneficial to just chill for some time" and "it is ok to spend time in an unproductive way". Because I noticed that your fulfilling hobby is also basically work.