Healthy phone use? When is it too much and how can using it less make your life better?
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Do you remember a time when you weren’t hooked on your smartphone? It seems like a distant era. However, most of us actually lived through that period, and life was still good. In fact, you could argue it was better precisely because we weren’t so connected to technology.
Now though, we’re all hooked. With a few taps on our screens, we can connect with people from all over the globe, access endless amounts of information, and carry out a wide range of tasks.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: using your smartphone intentionally. If you can leverage the tool to your advantage and avoid becoming its slave, then you can use it to enhance your life significantly.
What do we mean by this? Let’s take a look.
What Is Digital Minimalism?
Digital minimalism is the practice of intentionally reducing your use of digital technology, such as smartphones and social media, to focus on the things that truly matter in life. It’s about taking a step back from the constant barrage of information and stimulation and finding a more intentional way of using technology.
Many people imagine that digital minimalism is about giving up technology altogether. However, that’s not right. Instead, people use it to find a healthy balance in a way that supports their well-being and values.
What Are The Benefits Of Digital Minimalism?
The benefits of digital minimalism are significant. First, digital minimalism can help reduce stress and improve your mental health. When you’re constantly connected to your devices, it can create a sense of always being “on” and never being able to fully relax.
Digital minimalism takes a step back and reduces the noise and distractions that cause stress. This can help you feel calmer and more centred, and ultimately improve your mental health.
Digital minimalism also has profound effects on your productivity. When you disconnect from devices, you can get more done. It eliminates distractions that could get in the way of your accomplishments, like constant notifications.
Finally, using smartphones intentionally can also improve your relationships. When you apply mindfulness, you can identify situations where you are paying more attention to your phone screens than the other person.
How To Be More Intentional With Your Smartphone
There are several ways you can be more intentional with your smartphone.
For instance, before you can start practising digital minimalism, it’s important to identify what’s truly important to you. What are your values and priorities in life? What do you want to achieve? By identifying your values, you can use your smartphone in a way that supports these values and helps you achieve your goals. You don’t need to fall into the trap of constantly checking your notifications or scrolling through the news.
If you need to learn how to change IP address on iPhone settings to do this, then do so. Make sure you calibrate your device to serve your needs. After all, that’s what it’s there for.
Next, set boundaries for smartphone usage. This might mean turning off notifications during certain times of the day or setting a specific time each day to check your email and social media.
By setting boundaries, you can take control of your smartphone use and use it in a way that’s intentional and mindful. This approach puts you in control, not social media overloads or wealthy advertisers.
Additionally, you might want to create tech-free spaces at home or work. This might mean designating certain areas as device-free zones, such as your bedroom or dining room. These areas help to reduce the distractions technology causes, letting you focus on something else in the real world to enhance your well-being.
Lastly, you can also embrace “analogue” activities instead of spending all your time online. There are so many things you could explore, including:
- Read a book or magazine.
- Go for a walk or hike in nature.
- Take up a new hobby, such as painting or knitting.
- Spend time with friends or family, playing board games, or having a picnic.
- Volunteer at a local charity or organization.
- Exercise or play sports.
- Listen to music or attend a concert.
- Cook or bake a meal from scratch.
- Explore your city or town and visit local attractions.
- Write in a journal or practice mindfulness and meditation.
- Take a photography class and capture images with a camera instead of a phone.
- Attend a theatre production or movie.
- Learn a new language or instrument.
- Take a trip or go on a weekend getaway.
- Visit a museum or art gallery.
In short, these activities help you to return to the good life so you can experience what it means to be human again, like someone living in the 1990s.