[criddell]

> I've just never been able to break this habit

You probably haven't really tried other than what most people do - declare to themselves that they won't look at Twitter (for example) and then feel bad an hour later when they notice they are looking at Twitter.

I know he doesn't have the best reputation around here, but James Clear's book Atomic Habits has some pretty good advice about building new habits.

If I were trying to stop reading HN, I would start small. Tell myself I won't reload it for 30 minutes (or whatever - some small easily achieved goal). I would keep setting small goals like that and then start to stretch the time. I would also need something to replace the activity in those time when I reach for HN reflexively. I keep a guitar at work that I'll noodle on or I'll read for a few minutes, write something to myself, go make tea, step outside for some sun and air, etc...