Life in the modern world has tethered each of us to our mobile devices. We rely on our phones for various things like talking to people, working, hobbies, finding our way around, and even setting up doctor’s appointments. But that doesn’t mean we can’t use them a bit less. Many of us have even tried to reduce our time and have even downloaded apps to help us do it, and yet, time and time again, we find ourselves reaching for our phone at inopportune times.
Finding the right way to use our phones less can be a bit tricky. Some solutions like locking our phones in boxes can feel like treating us like children, and switching to basic phones can make it hard to do important things like work, hobbies, maps, and appointments. So just what can we actually do? To use our phones better without giving them up completely, here are some things to think about:
Understand Your Phone Habits
Start by being honest with yourself. Many people think their phones are distracting because they get lots of notifications. But research shows that most people actually put their phones on silent most of the time. Sometimes, we pick up our phones for no real reason, and that’s where you can start making changes.
Find Other Hobbies
Think about the times you had to put your phone away, like when you went swimming or watched a long movie. Did you enjoy the break from your phone? When you’re not using your phone, you tend to find other things to do. Try to do more of these activities to spend less time on your phone.
Spend Time in Nature
Spending time outdoors, like going for a walk in the park, can help you use your phone less. Research has shown that being in nature makes people use their phones less.
Change Your Habits
Most of the time, we use our phones without even thinking about it. For example, you might check your email and then start scrolling through Twitter or open Instagram as soon as your alarm goes off. There are apps that can block you from using certain apps, and while they won’t stop you from picking up your phone, they can remind you not to waste time on social media.
Make Screen Time More Meaningful
If you want to cut down on screen time, try to make your phone use more meaningful. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, you could use your phone to learn something new, like a new language, or read a book. Remember, it’s not the phones themselves that are the problem; it’s how we use them.
In a nutshell, it’s about finding a balance between using your phone for what you need and not letting it take over your life.
