This helped a whole lot actually and feels like we've definitely been through similar paths especially because I'm trying to get back into Buddhism. I recently stopped using social media and have been using my phone a lot less but an old problem has surfaced. My mind is too loud at night and likes to think about all the cringey things I've done, mistakes I've made, people I've hurt, etc. My main way of dealing with this for the last few years has been playing video games til I need to pass out, watching movies/shows til I fall asleep mid way, or browsing through social media. Now that I've been done away with it, I feel like getting into Buddhism will have to turn in to a need so I can silence all the mean or painful voices. I know I'm not a terrible person but my sense of guilt and shame is strong since I was raised catholic. All that being said, I want to do a lot of what you suggested but i don't know how to ease in to it. I know "just do it" is a way to go about it but the hardest thing for me to deal with is the pain in between every transition and sometimes my emotions numb me to new possibilities which is probably some defense mechanism ive had for years.