Learn how to limit your smartphone use

Failure to control your Smartphone use can lead to serious addiction. Though this addiction is different than substance abuse, it can still harm you and even your family and loved ones. But how can you use your smartphone responsibly? And how can you resist those apps designed to steal you of your time?

Today, we’ll be sharing some tricks to help you practice better self control. So buckle up and enjoy the read.

Tips for controlling smartphone use:

• Avoid checking your phone in the car

One of the worst things you can do is checking your phone while in the car. It is dangerous and compulsive and can lead to accidents and injury as well. This is why it is essential that you place your phone in the glove compartment as soon as you get in your car. Moreover, use the driving mode on your phone to avoid receiving notifications while driving.

• Keep your phone away while watching TV or reading

It makes sense that you keep your phone in your pocket (or purse) when you are out and about. However, when you are at home, take it out and place it to charge somewhere far away from where you are sitting. The less you check your phone, the less likely you are going to be sucked into an hour of Facebook stalking!

See Also: Which Tasks Should You Automate When You Get a New Phone?

• Turn off unnecessary notifications

Ideally, I would recommend that you turn off all notifications. However, since I know that it’s almost impossible to do that, I advise you to at least turn off notifications that do not require your immediate attention. This includes notifications from Twitter, Facebook and other apps with a follow function. Moreover, make sure that you disable notifications whenever you download a new app. You can also make important notifications silent and hide them from your lock screen.

• Set yourself a timer for smartphone use

When you start using your phone, set a limit on how long you want to stay on it. Doing that will allow you to better keep track of time instead of wasting hours and hours on pointless browsing. If you are up for experimentation, try turning off your phone completely every now and then. I know this sounds a bit drastic, however, it can really help wean you off your phone addiction.

See Also: How to Clear Up Storage Space on Your iPhone

• Don’t use your smartphone in bed

It is very important that you have a no-phone time a few hours in the morning and in the evening as well. This includes bedtime of course. Use functions such as Freedom on iOS and Offtime on both Android and iOS to block all access to social media sites during set hours.

• Break your “checking” cycle

The “what’s next” habit can be really hard to break. This is why it is essential to train yourself to avoid getting sucked into the loop of checking your social media accounts over and over again. To do this, hide the distracting apps from your home screen. Also, make sure that you close distracting apps after you use them. You can even try deleting social apps that take up a lot of your time and only check them when you are in front of your computer.

• Be patient

Digital detoxing is not easy and it takes time and patience. So don’t give up too easily. Moreover, try your best to find the right balance for you, your family and work. There will be ups and downs and relapses. However, you can do it!

Does your smartphone use negatively influence your lifestyle? What do you do to control it? Don’t hesitate to share with us some of your own tips and tricks in the comment section below. 

The post How to Better Control Your Smartphone Use appeared first on The Global Now.