Are you tired of staring at your phone all day? Does a ping from your phone send a jolt of anxiety through you? Do you feel compelled to check it immediately, wondering if it's work, a friend, a family member, or just breaking news? The bottom line is: you're spending too much time on your phone.
If this sounds like you — fear not, we've got the ultimate guide to using your phone (just a little bit less). Go on, reclaimthat hard earned me time.
Set Physical Boundaries
Designate specific zones in your home or workplace where phone use is a no-go. This could be the dinner table, your bedroom, or even your home office. By creating phone-free spaces, you'll be more present and focused on the task or people at hand. P.S treat this as a productivity hack — we promise if you lock your phone up for an hour, you can be extremely productive!
Schedule Your Screen Time
Just like you schedule meetings or gym sessions, set specific times when you can use your phone. This will help you avoid mindless scrolling and ensure that your phone use is intentional and productive. Hands up if you doom scroll on Instagram late into the night!
Manage Expectations
Let your friends, family, and colleagues know that you're trying to cut down on phone use. (No you aren’t crazy, you just don't need to answer every text within 30 seconds!) Set clear expectations about response times, so they don't expect immediate replies to every message or email. (Remember that before blackberries people used to wait 24 hours to respond to emails — life will go on!)
Be Realistic
Aim to gradually reduce your screen time. If you're currently clocking in three hours a day, don't expect to go down to zero overnight. (Baby steps is the key here) Set achievable goals and celebrate small victories along the way.
Embrace the Art of the Phone Call
Yes, you read that right. Instead of texting, pick up the phone and CALL someone. Have a real conversation. Ask about their day, their thoughts, and their feelings. It's amazing how much more connected you'll feel with just a simple phone call.
Use Tools to Help You Succeed
Consider using tools like our Mindsight Timed Lockbox to help you stick to your goals. Store your phone in the lockbox during designated no-phone times, so you're not tempted to sneak a peek. It's a great way to ensure you stick to your screen-time limits and focus on the world around you.
By following these tips and utilizing tools like the Mindsight Timed Lockbox, you'll be amazed by how much time you can gain back in your day. Locking your phone up for 1 hour/day means that over a month you get back 30 hours of screen free life!
Remember, it's all about balance and being mindful of the time you spend on your screen. Happy unplugging!
