I found this article to be very relatable, it included many useful facts. A piece of advice that I found helpful was to get an alarm clock. Studies show that since your alarm is on your phone you are inclined to use your phone first thing in the morning, having a regular alarm clock could prevent one from using their device to start their day. Something I found less helpful was to avoid using your phone during transportation, many people rely on their phone to listen to music while moving and find it essential. Personally, I’ve grown attached to listening to music when on the go, so I found this piece of advice appalling.
The article referred to a challenge Google employees partake in, which is scheduling one night per week to break free from technology. I believe this is a great idea, a break from social media, devices, and screens can be relaxing for most. I would love to try the challenge, I know I would dedicate more time to some hobbies and spend more time with family on those nights. Dr. Anna Lembke wrote that many people lose their social awareness due to their phones, like missing a bus. I’ve never missed a bus because of my phone, however, there have been times where I’ve almost missed a bus or train stop due to my lack of attention. Another suggestion was to delete social media from your phones, although I;ve never deleted social media from my phone I do believe that it is helpful. I’ve had friends that have taken breaks from social media and have felt enjoyment from their mini break.
Having someone to remind you to take breaks from your phone can also be helpful, for me it’s usually my mom. She’ll be the one to tell me to put the phone away and try to do something else. In my home there aren’t many rules for technology or cell phones, if anything I try to give myself rules. I put limits on certain, specifically social media apps trying to limit my usage to an hour a day.
I agree with you on the music part, me personally I find it very hard to not listen to something while I am on public transportation because it helps with my anxiety but I agree with the alarm clock part as well. Overall I liked the points you pointed about the phone
I also listen to music when I use public transportation. For me personally, I think it is a necessity as my commute is so long that listening to music helps it go by quicker. I tried putting limits on my phone but I always end up extending the limit.
Commuting on public transportation can be long and can get boring at times. Music can help make the commute better and less boring. I try to not use my phone as much as I can. I try to take breaks from it but sometimes I don’t have much to do and end up using it. I think getting an alarm clock would really help me use my phone less.
Using phones or electronics in general has become so normalized that its normal to use it more than we should which has impacted all of us so much. I try my best to stay away from it as it is a distraction, but I have to admit, it is hard. Its really helpful when my family members remind us to value what is away from the screen.
I agree with you that taking a break from your phone is practically impossible when transporting somewhere for a long period of time since it can be very boring doing nothing. I often listen to music while on the subway to get to my classes.
I use my airpod everywhere i go because i feel like it takes me to another part of the world where it is very peaceful.
I agree with you on the last part on having someone to hold you accountable. Been with family and friends automatically make me get off my phone.
It’s hard to put your phone away sometimes because we rely on it for a lot of things so the idea of a break is really good. I agree it’s easier to realize you need a break when family points it out.