If you’re like most people, you probably find yourself using your phone more often than you’d like. Whether you’re constantly checking social media, reading the news, or playing games, it’s all too easy to get lost on your screen and forget about the world around you.
When you’re glued to your screen, you’re missing out on valuable time with friends and family, opportunities to explore nature and moments of peace and quiet. If you’re looking for ways to use your phone less and live more, here are 10 ideas to get you started:
- Keep your screen time in check.
There are a few ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use screen time tracking apps like Quality Time or Moment. These apps will show you how much time you’re spending on your phone, as well as which apps are taking up the most of your time. Once you see where you’re spending the most time, you can start to cut back.
- Set limits on certain apps.
If there are certain apps that you find yourself using more than you’d like, consider setting limits on them. For example, you can set a limit of 30 minutes for social media usage or 1 hour for gaming. Once you reach your limit, the app will be inaccessible for the rest of the day. This can help you cut back on screen time without completely eliminating it.
- Take breaks from your phone.
This one can be tough, but it’s important to take breaks from your phone throughout the day. If you’re always on your screen, you’re not giving yourself a chance to rest and recharge. Try setting a timer for 20 minutes and putting your phone away during that time. Once the timer goes off, you can check your phone again.
- Only use your phone for specific tasks.
If you find yourself using your phone for things that aren’t really important, it’s time to cut back. For example, only check social media when you have a few minutes to kill, rather than mindlessly scrolling through your feed. Or, only use your phone for messaging and calls, and save games and other apps for when you’re on your computer.
- Put your phone away at night.
This is probably one of the most important tips. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of using your phone right up until you go to bed, but this can actually make it harder to sleep. Instead, put your phone away at least 30 minutes before you go to bed, and give yourself some time to relax without screen time.
- Turn off notifications.
If you’re constantly getting notifications from your phone, it can be distracting. Try turning off notifications for apps that you don’t need them for. That way, you can focus on what you’re doing without being interrupted by your phone.
- Don’t use your phone while you’re driving.
This one is definitely easier said than done, but it’s important to put your phone away when you’re behind the wheel. Not only is it illegal in many places, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. Your phone might get broken and screen repair in Riverdale or elsewhere can be expensive, but it’s nothing compared to the cost of an accident.
- Unplug from your phone during social interactions.
It’s so easy to get lost in our phones when we’re around other people, but this can be really off-putting for the people we’re with. If you’re with friends or family, make an effort to put your phone away and focus on the conversation. This will help you connect with the people you’re with, and you might even find that you enjoy it more than scrolling through your feed.
- Create screen-free zones.
There are certain places where it’s just not appropriate to be on your phone, like at work or during class. If you find yourself using your phone in these places, try to create screen-free zones where you’re not allowed to use your phone. This can help you stay focused on what you’re doing, and it’ll be a lot easier to cut back on screen time overall.
- Use your phone less overall.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. If you want to use your phone less, you need to actually use it less. That means making an effort to cut back on screen time overall. Try setting limits for yourself, and stick to them. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to use your phone less when you’re making an effort to do so.
When you cut back on screen time, you give yourself a chance to experience life away from your phone. This can be beneficial, and it can help you connect with the people and world around you in a whole new way. So, if you’re looking to use your phone less, try out some of these tips and see how they work for you.