Have you ever noticed how 20 minutes spent on your phone feels more like five? But what are we even really doing when we’re on our phones? For most people, it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media, endlessly taking in information that, for the most part, does absolutely nothing for us. People always complain that life’s too short. So, why are we wasting it with something so meaningless?
Want to break your phone addiction? Here’s how you can:
1. Pick a five-hour window when you're allowed to use your phone every day.
I met a guy a few weeks ago who pulled out his phone, turned it on and explained, “I only turn on my phone once a day for five hours.” During his five permitted hours of phone time, he responds to any messages, makes work-related calls, contacts people he cares about and checks his Instagram. By only limiting yourself to a daily five-hour window of phone usage, you’re forced to make your phone time efficient
2. Start carrying a book with you.
I’ve noticed that the times I pull out my phone the most are when I’m alone for a significant stretch of time: waiting rooms, trains, bus rides and lying in bed before I go to sleep. When you’re tempted to whip out our phones during these times, try taking out a book (or your e-reader) instead. It’s still a form of entertainment, but it comes without the separation anxiety that your phone always causes.
3. Download apps that track how much you use your phone.
Being aware of how much you use your phone is the first step to breaking up with it. Ironically, there's an app for that! One of them is called Checky. It’s a free app for iPhone and Android that lets you know how many times you unlock your phone in a day. For some people, a good wake-up call is all they need to make a change.
4. Erase your most distracting apps.
Give yourself no other option than to get bored by your phone. Try erasing the apps that distract you the most. These include all of your games, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr or anything else you find yourself drooling over.
5. Get a dumb phone.
If you’re down-to-earth enough not to care about what your phone looks like (or about getting judged, let’s be honest) then downgrading your phone might be the best option to break your dependence. Phones without Internet give us no other option than to wait for access to a computer to check email or social media. It also gives us no other choice but to actually focus on how we’re feeling, what needs to get done and the world around us.
