I’m a hardcore reader, but I do enjoy movies, even if I don’t always make it to the theater in time to see a new film I am interested in. (I still haven’t seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). So, when my dad bought a subscription to Netflix, within the first week, I already had a list of what I wanted to watch, including TV shows like American Horror Story and Criminal Minds, as well as shows I’m curious to see what all the fuss is about, like Gilmore Girls.

Since subscribing to Netflix, I have watched only movies, including Hotel Transylvania 2, Minions, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death, The Prince of Egypt, Joseph, King of Dreams, and Disney’s Robin Hood.I also watched a Gabriel Iglesias comedy show... twice.

You wouldn’t know it now, but when I was younger, I did like superhero TV shows. I would have gotten excited for the Batman and Superman movie that came out earlier this year; now, I barely notice. Then, I saw Netflix had Justice League available.

Up until then, I only watched movies. So, after finishing a book, I watched the first episode of Justice League…

Have I read a book since then?

Barely.

Netflix is reading’s worst enemy. It is a sure way to get into a reading slump and forget about the books gathering dust in your “to be read” pile. So, for my fellow bookworms, if you want to subscribe to Netflix, be aware of the warnings signs of addiction.

What are the warning signs of Netflix addiction?

You are thinking more about what you want to watch than what you want to read.

I started my new job at Macy’s last week. On Friday, all I could think about during my eight hour shift was that I was one hour closer to getting home to watch Justice League. I read on the bus going into work that morning, only I was not as invested in the book as I normally was. That night, I ended up watching 2 or 3 episodes, instead of reading.

I worked again Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. When I got home, I changed into my pajamas, brushed my teeth, got into bed with my laptop, and then watched a full episode of Justice League before going to sleep.

What’s worse? The opening theme song keeps playing in my head.

Your free time is spent watching, instead of reading.

There are 4 books I want to read before 2016 is over, all of which are by authors whose work I genuinely love. I’m only part-time at Macy’s for the holiday season. I have enough time to read as much as I would have time for Christmas shopping or working on my blog or writing my next Odyssey article.

But once I get the Christmas stuff done, edit my next blog post, and finish my latest article, instead of picking up A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahirlike I want to, chances are, my first instinct will be to start Season 2 of Justice League. And I’ll end up watching at least the first two episodes, then not read at all.

You lose the desire to read altogether.

GASP! Yes, my friends, this is a real thing. Even someone like me, who reads like she can breathe, sometimes does not feel like reading. While I have learned over the past few months that the feeling is sometimes a good thing, it can become a negative if it goes on for too long. I’m falling behind in my Goodreads Yearly Reading Challenge by one book.

Netflix is taking my time away from reading. That’s my own fault. I should resist the urge and make time for myself to read books. Of course, easier said than done where the Justice League is concerned.

But how can you beat a Netflix addiction?

The simplest solution would be not to subscribe to Netflix at all. Only if that is not an option for you anymore, I have some tips to help you beat the budding signs of Netflix addiction.

First, use the rewards system. By that, I mean read a number of chapters or pages in a book before watching the next episode of whatever shows you are currently obsessed with. It might sound a little silly, but it’s better than getting sucked into Netflix and not being able to read for the next 6 months.

Next, read a book that is similar to the show you are currently watching. For example, I don’t read superhero comic books, but I do read a lot of mystery and crime novels. I put aside the books on my priority TBR and picked up a book lower on the list: Invisible by James Patterson. His books are quick and have a fast-paced mystery plot, usually involving a cop or some other investigator. Invisible centers on an FBI agent who is trying to convince her fellow agents that a serial killer is behind a string of supposedly accidental fires around the country. And guess what? It’s working. I’m reading.

Lastly, the final tip is resisting the urge. Instead of giving in to the Netflix temptation, pick up a book, or multiple books, if you have to. Read until you find a book that sticks, that makes you want to read for an hour rather than spending five hours binge-watching Friends.

Go forth my friends and conquer your Netflix addiction!