I think we all (or most of us) have problems with spending way too much time on our phones. Do you guys have any tips and tricks on how to reduce phone time or eliminate it altogether (if that’s even possible)?
I’m definitely no expert on this as I spend way too much time on my phone but I am actively trying to get this down to a better number. Instead of using my phone when I’m on my work breaks at the office, I try to talk to someone - it’s hard-ish but it helps me get to know people better and to reduce phone time. I am also getting better at not using my phone so much at night - I used to stay on it for hours before bed. Now I try to spend more meaningful time with loved ones, make time for myself (but without the phone) or just go to bed earlier.
@claire-douglas Well done, Claire! You seem on your way to getting way more time for yourself while reducing screen/phone time. How did you decide you needed to reduce phone time?
My boyfriend said he feels I’m spending way too much time with my phone and way too little with him and that was the straw that broke my back so to say. It was horrible to realize he was right! I was spending hours upon hours on my phone! I’ve since started spending time with him and always ask him if I’m doing better at this. He’s very supportive about this “addiction” of mine and I’m lucky to have him backing me up 🙂
Ever found yourself scrolling through your phone, only to realize you’ve spent an hour watching cat videos instead of tackling that to-do list?
Welcome to the club! The first step to breaking free from this digital spell is to redefine your relationship with your device. Start by setting boundaries: designate phone-free zones in your home or carve out specific times in your day where screens are off-limits. Think of it as a mini digital detox—your brain will thank you!
Next, swap mindless scrolling for something that sparks joy and engagement. Try replacing your phone time with a hobby that’s been collecting dust, like painting or playing an instrument. Not only will this fill your time with creativity, but it can also lead to fulfilling moments that a quick scroll simply can’t provide. And don’t forget to enlist your friends in this mission! Challenge each other to share your progress or set up fun offline hangouts. Turning this into a social experiment can make it more enjoyable and less of a chore. So go ahead, unplug, and rediscover the world beyond your screen—who knows what adventures await!
Where I started:
I was on my phone all the time. And not just for talking on it but for watching things on it or playing games or just browsing endlessly. I think I averaged at least 4-5 hours (almost dally) which is way too much for me.
Where I am now:
I’ve got it down to under 3 hours daily. I try to spend more time away from my phone, as much as I can. I go for a walk, I leave my phone in another room and often I will just not even bother going to get it and just grab a book instead - so my time is better used. I know I can do better but I’m also happy with my progress so far.
@annie-harris That’s great, Annie! That’s such amazing progress! You should be proud of yourself! Keep at it and see if you can get the number even lower and report back so we can cheer you on! Go Annie!!!
@kenny Haha, thanks a lot, Kenny! I feel encouraged 🙂 and will do my best to get better at it. I’m starting to feel I now have more time in my days so I’m definitely going to continue with this.
I used to grab my phone when I got up and usually waste at least 15 minutes first thing in the morning which was bad because I got up later and filled my mind with (usually) bad news or information that would affect my mornings or even my whole days. I’ve now almost completely eliminated this bad habit of mine. I now do my best to get out of bed immediately after my alarm goes off. Sometimes it’s easier and on other days it’s super difficult to do so but I try to get out of bed within 2 minutes - this is my current goal. If I stay in bed more than 2 minutes then chances are I’m going to stay in bed another 10-15 minutes or even more so it’s crucial I get up as soon as possible.
My time to show some support, haha! Go, go, go Kenny! Getting up in the morning so quickly is also a major goal of mine. I often spend way too much time in bed, with my eyes open, either on my phone or just thinking of random stuff instead of getting up quicker. I’ve started putting my phone somewhere I can’t easily reach it so it forces me to get out of bed and stop the alarm. It works most days but sometimes I may come back to bed which is a no-no I’m trying to get rid of.
Ah, the good old put your phone in another room or far away so you’ll have to get out of bed in the morning! I’m using it as well and it’s surprisingly effective. And I don’t have the problem of getting back to bed after I’m up. Once I’m up, that’s it. I’m not going back to bed no matter how tired I may feel. I find that doing a super quick, mini workout helps a lot. I usually do some pushups and some Jumping Jacks (these are extremely helpful to get the blood flowing and wake up) and I’m ready to hit the day running.
Anyway, I’m not that much on my phone because I usually have other things to do. It’s either a work project that needs my full attention, or talking on the phone. I would say that the more work or hobbies you have the less you’ll be tempted to use your phone for anything else than talking on it.
@james-sanders It’s great not to have that problem (of not going back to bed). It usually works for me, but there are days and days. Sometimes I just didn’t get my hours of sleep and feel very sluggish in the morning. Sometimes I just want to sleep for another 30 minutes or 30 hours :)). But overall, things are improving.
I was doing some pushups in the morning but will add the Jumping Jacks as those seem even better at getting me alert and ready to go.
And yeah, the more we replace phone time with anything else (working on a project, reading a book, talking with a friend, etc.) the better.
@annie-harris Yeah, trying to keep reminding myself to actually leave the phone far away before I get into bed. Believe it or not, sometimes I forget to do this and leave it close by. I need to change that. This forces me to get out of bed immediately as the sound of the alarm keeps getting louder and more bothersome so it should work well to get me up 😉
