How to Use Your Device Less and Live More
We Bet you’re glued to a screen right now 🙂
Let’s talk about phone usage! We’re in the hyper-technology era; nothing is done without a phone or device nearby. Smartphones are practically becoming our personal assistants, entertainment source, wallets, and whatnot. It’s so convenient, isn’t it? Paying with your phone, capturing favorite moments, and writing random thoughts as notes. But hold on… There’s more to life.
A study by Ofcom found that business owners in the UK spend an average of 4 hours and 12 minutes on their smartphones daily, almost an hour more than the average person.
Too much screen time can be a real downer. It can lead to eye strain, poor sleep, stress, anxiety, and even feelings of social isolation. That’s why we want to help you break the addiction and discover the benefits of a more balanced relationship with your device. We’ll share tips and tricks on cutting down on your screen time and suggest fun activities to do instead. So, put down that phone, and let’s have some screen-free fun!
Track your screen time.
Measured and evaluated steps are always more effective. If you plan to notch down your screen time, track it on your phone. Many phones already have this option in the system, and if it’s not available, download apps that monitor your screen time to know where you stand. Tracking screen time will at least subconsciously let you know that you’ve used too much phone.
Apps like Youtube and Instagram also allow us to set daily reminders or a break time. For instance, if we set a ten-minute break timer, Instagram will remind us to take a break after ten minutes. That’s our cue to stop the app and return to real life.
Delete Useless apps
Uninstall unnecessary apps that you spend too much time on. We must confess that one of our team members was at level 1002 of candy crush. Yep. It takes a lot of time to get there. So, we made him uninstall it. We’re sure there’s some completely unnecessary app gobbling up your time too. Delete it. Look outside the window instead, talk to your coworker, read a book, or go out for a walk. Listening to podcasts might be better, as you’re hearing it and not fully engaged with the screen. You will appreciate life more; it will generate gratitude and, ultimately, happiness.
Focus on present
We may sound like a tacky quote on Facebook, but hear us out. We are constantly connected with our virtual friends and work when we have phones. We’re too familiar with the thought: “My boss just texted me; I must leave everything and respond!” while having dinner with family members.
Stay focused on the activity that is more important and in the present. Phone causes many distractions that decrease the quality of our work, relationships, and life.
Take a break from your phone, and you’ll feel relieved and more aware of what’s happening. But how to do this?
For beginners, set a timer before doing any activity. For instance, if you’re planning to meditate, set a time for 20 minutes, and then you’ll know that these twenty minutes are solely for meditation. The same goes for work and other activities that need focus. Gradually increase the time from 20 to 30 and so on.
Fun Fact: We find real life and our surroundings annoying after using too many phones. Because our brain is hooked on the excessive dopamine we get from social media. You’ll realize that these people matter more than only virtually connected people.
But what about work?
Phones and work go hand in hand; we can’t leave our phones at home. Trust us; we did it once. However, having a phone solely for work is another thing. It removes all the distractions and social media; try not to put anything personal on your work phone. This way, you will only use the phone when needed for work calls or anything else, and you will not waste time on it.
The Takeaway
Phones are not bad, but too much phone is bad. Dedicate a good amount of time without using the phone in your life. Think of your current phone usage as helping you develop a good productive, healthy life, or are you mindlessly scrolling down without any value added to your time? These questions can help in differentiating whether the phone is making your life better or worse. Enjoy your life, not your phone!
We love analyzing stuff. Especially if it’s related to business and technology. If you have business concerns, visit us; we’ll gladly help. Learn more about us and contact info@initiis.co.uk for any query.
Enjoy your phone off time, and Let’s Go Grow!
