I developed this habit for a few years during adolescence, which I think was a reaction to the anxiety that developed at that time of life, relating to things l

I developed this habit for a few years during adolescence, which I think was a reaction to the anxiety that developed at that time of life, relating to things like social pressures, academic challenges and parental expectations. I can recall visiting the bathroom multiple times per evening to find new hairs to pluck out of a particular area on the side of my face, as a form of procrastination and distraction from stresses I was feeling. I think it stopped when I finished high school, and I haven't exhibited this particular habit ever since. However, it was in the year after I finished high school (1995) that the internet started becoming a thing, and I jumped on board quickly and developed the habit of frequently checking things (news sites, and, ahem, discussion boards) online. I can't help but ponder that if it weren't for having a phone in my pocket and being able to reach in and check Twitter or HN every time I needed a dopamine hit or a distraction from anxiety, I might instead be carrying tweezers in my pocket and plucking hairs every hour or two :)