Is your smartphone draining your time?
Let’s be real: app developers and social media experience designers have already admitted they design their products to be addictive. If you’re feeling strapped for time and emotionally drained by the technology, yet reach for your phone whenever you need a distraction—well, you’re not alone. Millions of people have developed the same habit. Ready to break that bad habit? So are we.
Practicing mindfulness promotes more deliberate, and less compulsive, use of smartphones. But habits can be hard to break, especially at first. If you find yourself reaching for the phone without really thinking about it, a mindfully crafted lock screen can help you get back on track.
One idea is to change your lock screen to a note that says, “What do you want to pay attention to today?” The note will encourage you to assess your behavior and decide if you really want to be on the phone. Another lock screen message to try is, “What for? Why now? What else?” These pointed questions ask you to reflect on why you need your phone and think about whether you’re about to make a worthwhile investment of your time.
Compulsive smartphone use sabotages your sleep, saps your creativity, and erodes your relationships. Our new Instaread on How To Break Up With Your Phone offers more tips and tricks on how to dramatically reduce your use.
