Break Your Smartphone Addiction
By Sara Butler
For a lot of people, their phone is almost like an extension of themselves. They won’t go anywhere without it. Some people have even been known to buy waterproof pouches to store their phones in when they’re at a waterpark, just to stay connected.
If you can’t put your phone down even when submerged in water, then you just might have an addiction to your cell phone. This quiz can help you determine if you’ve got a problem that needs to be dealt with, but in the meantime, it’s probably a good idea to focus on some ways you can be less dependent on handheld technology. Here are a few tips that can help you give yourself a little distance.
Get Rid of Non-Essential Notifications
That constant ding is one of the things that makes your smartphone so darned addictive. It kind of like a slot machine -- you must look to see what prize you’ve won (or which app has notified you). Take yourself out of the loop a little bit when it comes to your apps. Social media has a way of pulling people away from reality, so turn off any notifications that aren’t critical to your day and make a pact with yourself to only check on them a few times a day.
It’s also important to remember you don’t have to respond to everything that comes your way on your phone. The world won’t end if you don’t answer something right away.
Start Talking
Have you ever seen a group of people in a restaurant that isn’t engaging with each other at all, but just looking at their phones constantly? That must stop! You must strive to reconnect with people and start talking again. One easy way to do this is for everyone to keep their phones put away when they sit down to share a meal and socialize.
Think About It
It’s time to get deep and think about what you get out of checking your phone all the time. Do you do it out of boredom? Anxiety? Loneliness? Instead of filling the void with your smartphone, spend more time doing something productive. Listen to your favorite song on some old CDs you’ve not taken out in years, read a book, or go for a walk instead.
Your phone is a useful tool but don't let it take over your life! Break the cycle and enjoy life a little bit more!
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