Screen time is what we do. At work, we watch screens. At home, we watch screens. When we wake up in the morning and open the morning paper, it’s on a screen. We capture updates on social media like we’re getting the headlines. Screens are our new overlords, and we can’t help it. We really can't; from business to pleasure, everything is moving off paper and into a more digital realm. When was the last time you stepped back and took a moment away from the screens? When was the last time you went a day without trawling TikTok? So many people who are exhausted with life don’t even realize that they are exhausted from the relentlessness of their screen time behavior. So, don't you think it’s time to unplug?
Reducing your dependence on your phone will depend on a lot of things. Are you using your phone for pleasure or for work? Are you checking your screens to tell you what the time is or the latest news? There are so many ways that you can reduce your screen time usage and finally unplug, and while you do it, make sure that you delete documents and data on iPhone so that you can stay protected and shielded from harm. Unplugging from life is a little harder to do, though, and we’ve got all of the reasons you should go ahead and spend some time with your chin up and looking at the real world (let’s also brush past the fact you’re reading this on a screen..!).
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Utilize the screen time limits that your iPhone has and put them into practice. It will take some time to get used to it, so start with one hour less per day and build up from there. You can set them up but like others, you might override them. This is why you take the time to unplug gradually! Set limits on apps, overall phone usage and make a point of setting yourself realistic time limits so that you don’t just give in. The screen time should be treated as an addiction - you want to form some new habits.
Have you ever heard of noise therapy? Every time you are doing something you know you shouldn't do, let out a noise. In the same way people flick a rubber band on their wrists to induce a shock of pain, you can make a noise to remind you to get off your phone and move on.
Get rid of the apps. It’s the simplest way to unplug. Go through your phone and delete the apps you don't need. There’s no need to worry that you might “need them for later” because if you don't use them now, you likely won’t. If you don't use Twitter, for example, why take up space on your phone?
Impose new rules. When you’re eating meals or in bed, the area is a phone-free zone. If you’re working, leave your phone in another room. You need to stop being so burnt out. Nothing is happening on Facebook while you’re not there, and you need to stop worrying about missing the information. FOMO is real, but you cannot live your life on what everyone on social media is doing! You don't need to plug in to do the basic activities in life, so unplug from them.
When was the last time you saw a therapist? Before you start yelling that you don't need one, everyone needs a therapist! Even the healthiest of people need someone to talk to who can keep their information private, and it starts with ensuring that you have someone impartial to speak to about the things that are going on in your life. Checking in with your mental health is as important as checking in at the gym with your physical health. A personal trainer can help you to work your body but your therapist will help you to work your mind. If you’re finding solace in your phone, you need some help to get out of that habit. It’s as dangerous as any addiction out there, and you need to make sure that you’re not burying your mental health in the social media sites you scroll on repeat.
Social media and technology all have their place. However, it doesn't need to be at your dinner table, in your bed or in your bath. Take technology away from those areas in the home and make your start in unplugging your life. Take back control and see how far you get.
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