PUSH Tech, Toning Down Your Tech

Toning Down Your Tech

4 suggestions to reduce phone use for improved well-being.

We all love how easy it is to connect with a few taps on a phone. However, if you need a bit of downtime each day, the ease and simplicity of using a phone can also make relaxing more of a challenge. All you need is to make a few slight adjustments, and you will be on your way to improving your well-being and mindset.

Below are four worthwhile suggestions to help reduce your phone usage:

Disable your notifications.

How often have you been enjoying time with loved ones or close to completing a task you have been focused on for an extended period, only to hear a notification on your phone that takes you away from the fun or an accomplishment? Quite often, yes? Do yourself a favor and turn off all the notifications on your phone, tablet, or even your computer, for that matter. Meeting reminders and alarms should remain as they can be important when needing a nudge to take medication or to be on time for an appointment.

Limit your Home screen apps.

To have better habits, you must eliminate bad habits or, at a minimum, make them harder to perform. Hide your social media and game apps in a folder, or remove them from the first screen on your phone. Better yet, uninstall them. Yes, yes, we know, easier said than done—work to have only productive apps on your first screen. If your goal is to read more, then have only reading apps on your first screen.

Conceal video call self-view.

Seeing your face on a video call can distract your attention from who you are communicating with. You will experience a more significant percentage of your mental power by hiding your self-view on video calls from your phone or laptop. Doing so will allow you to focus on your meetings and their intended purpose fully. Plus, once completed, you will end video meetings with more energy by being less mentally drained.

Sleep without your phone.

One of the first things we all do in the morning and one of the last things we do at night is check our phone. When waking up in the middle of the night, we often check it again. Trust us, you do not need your phone in bed. If you are guilty of checking your phone this often, especially in the middle of the night, you need to create new boundaries. Using your phone during the day is fine, but if you are truly looking to unplug and get some rest, you must detach from your phone and place it away from your reach.

Sometimes in life, we must learn to decline offers and say no to opportunities more often. Improving your mental awareness includes setting boundaries. Saying no will allow you quality time to eliminate stress, relax, and focus on the things and people most important in your life.