Use these simple tips to improve your phone usage and get more time for yourself.
Facebook has a setting that lets you know how much time you have spent on the app in a specific period. It is helpful to track app usage and habits.
The problem is, you have to log in to check your usage data and that is a slippery slope of checking your feed.
Some people cut out time to go offline for a while as a way to detox from social media and focus on real life. The issue with this may be that when you come online you risk binging to make up for ‘lost time’.
There are tips you can use to create a balance. To boost real life and also make your phone usage a healthy experience.
Set a time to check your phone
Constantly checking your phone usually interferes with other activities.
This can cause tension and friction in relationships, and at work or be a danger to other people.
To avoid associating your phone usage with negative experiences, set a time for just indulging in scrolling and checking in online.
This way you will avoid conflict and have a more rewarding social media time.
Notification settings
Some people say turning off notifications can reduce distractions.
But for some people, not hearing that ping when data is active can be more distracting and push them to check their phones constantly.
This is especially true if you are just starting the habit of using your phone less.
You can either turn off mobile data, and WiFi or mute notifications you don’t think are important.
You may be getting notifications from apps you don’t use which then sends you down the rabbit hole of others that may be important.
You can also set notifications to appear at certain times.
Have phone-free zones
Establish spaces in your life and environment where the phone is not allowed. This can be during meals, meetings, hanging out, spending time with a partner, family, or even at work.
Once you establish these boundaries, focus on being present and having enriching or productive interactions.
Avoid using these spaces as an escape from your phone.
Get a physical alarm clock
How you start your day can sometimes influence how you spend it. Limit your phone interactions to later in the day when you are active.
Get a physical alarm clock, they are cooler and more effective anyway. But most of all, they tamper with that temptation to check your notifications and other engagement first thing in the morning.
