I use the reddit app on my phone to fill those <10 minute gaps in my day where I would otherwise be bored, eg waiting in line, waiting for a long loading screen, etc. It's simple to pick up and put down in a moment's notice.

Assuming you did the same thing, what do you do now without it?

I carry my kindle around and try to read any chance I get. Or if there is not enough time to read, I try to do... nothing. Haha I know it may seem like a crazy concept but I have been trying to resist the urge of always looking through Instagram, Snapchat, HN, etc.

That's not to say I never do it, a lot of times I still find myself checking social accounts when I'm in line or whatever, but I try to avoid reddit entirely because of how it always manages to suck up more time than you expect and I have found it seriously feeds the addiction to content, especially news.

I've had similar success in the past. But I went back to a single monitor instead of giving up reddit entirely. Not having the distraction always present on the second screen helps.

But not HN?

Nah, I don't spend much time on HN. I just scan the front page 2-3 times a day. Plus, I gain a lot of value out of it. I would probably not be where I am in my career were it not for HN.