Drama day 12: My OTT Addiction

I never thought I’d find myself in this position as I usually pride myself as someone with self-discipline and will-power, but I admit I’m a recovering OTT addict. For those blissfully unaware, OTT stands for Over-The-Top platforms, like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. They’re the magical portals that bring us gripping dramas, heartwarming comedies, and endless reality TV. But for me, they became something else entirely—an escape, a crutch, and ultimately, a problem.

Let me set the scene: I’m a mom of two energetic kids, a marketing manager by day, and a reluctant chef, chauffeur, and homework helper by night. My days are packed, my patience runs thin, and my energy… well, let’s just say coffee is my lifeline. Somewhere in this whirlwind of responsibilities, I found solace in binge-watching.

It started innocently enough. A show here, a movie there. But soon, I was staying up late to watch “just one more episode” of the latest hit series. Sleep became an afterthought, replaced by cliffhangers and plot twists. The more overwhelmed I felt by my daily life, the more I turned to OTT platforms to unwind. It was my guilty pleasure—except the guilt part grew louder with each passing day.

I’d wake up groggy and irritable, barely making it through the morning routine before work. My productivity at the office took a nosedive, and I was too distracted to fully engage with my kids in the evenings. The irony was painful: I’d chosen to escape my responsibilities through screens, only to find myself drowning in them even more.

One night, as I watched the clock strike 2 a.m. and realized I had to be up in four hours, something clicked. This wasn’t sustainable. I needed to regain control of my life, my time, and my energy. So, I made a plan.

Here’s how I overcame my OTT addiction:

1. Admitting the Problem

First, I had to be honest with myself. This wasn’t just “me-time” anymore; it was a coping mechanism that had spiraled out of control. Acknowledging this was tough but necessary.

2. Setting Boundaries

I decided to limit my screen time. Weekday evenings were for family, and weekends were for selective viewing. I even set a timer on my phone to remind me to log off. This structure was liberating rather than restrictive. It took some getting used to and there were definitely visible withdrawal symptoms but gradually it got easier.

3. Replacing the Habit

Instead of turning to my favorite OTT platform when I felt overwhelmed, I started experimenting with other forms of relaxation. Reading, listening and dancing to music, and even journaling became my new go-to activities. They weren’t as instantly gratifying as a binge-watch session, but they left me feeling far more refreshed.

4. Practicing Self-Compassion

Breaking the habit wasn’t smooth sailing. There were nights when I’d slip back into old patterns. But instead of beating myself up, I reminded myself that progress is rarely linear. Each day was a new opportunity to make better choices.

Fast forward six months, and my life looks completely different. I’m more present with my kids, more focused at work, and—most importantly—more at peace with myself. Don’t get me wrong; I still enjoy a good show or movie. But now, it’s a choice, not a compulsion.

If you’re reading this and feeling a pang of recognition, know that you’re not alone. OTT platforms are designed to be addictive, but you have the power to take back control. Start small, be patient, and remember: the best stories aren’t found on a screen—they’re the ones we live every day.