How to Spend Less Time on Your Phone
Airplane Mode
If you’ve followed my blog for some time, then you probably know that airplane mode has been a game changer for me. If you want one tip for being more productive in every area of your life, this is it.
Everyone is different, but let me share what works for me. I put my phone on airplane mode around 8:30 or 9 PM in the evening. Then, I leave it on airplane mode until at least 9 am the next day. If I’m lucky, it will stay off all the way until lunchtime or later.
Then, at lunch, I check for about 5 minutes to make sure I don’t have any urgent texts or calls. After that, I turn it back on airplane and it stays that way until I finish my workday.
This might sound drastic, but believe me, it works. And an added bonus is that I rarely feel as anxious or stressed as I used to.
Don’t Check Email on Your Phone
Checking email on your phone can be dangerous. We often do this simply because we’re bored rather than because we’re focused and ready to check email. Setting a boundary and simply deciding that you won’t check your email from your phone can also be a great way to add some more time to your day.
Think about the times of day when you’re most often to check email on your phone. Is it while waiting in line, between appointments, or right before bed?
Then, consider what else you could be doing with that time. Could you be reading a book, journaling, or going for a short walk?
We often feel like we don’t have time for the things that matter most to us, however, it’s important to also consider, am I truly using my time well? Or, could I do better?
Related Post: 9 Tips for the Overwhelmed Millennial
Limit the Number of Apps
You know that quote or statistic that talks about reducing the number of options available? Well, that holds true in all areas of life. You don’t need to have 100 different apps on your phone.
Try taking stock of each app and delete the ones that you haven’t used in a few months. Also, if there’s a particular social media app that you KNOW you spend too much time on, delete it from your phone. If you can only use it on your computer, you’ll probably find yourself using it a lot less often.
Have Social Media Alternatives
A great way to reduce your social media use, is to have positive app alternatives on your phone. For example, try downloading the Kindle app so that you can try reading rather than mindlessly scrolling through Instagram.
Or, take a few minutes to download 2-4 podcasts that you want to listen to.
Another option (and one that I do myself) is to download a language learning app. Many of us say that we want to learn a language, but never make the time to make it happen. Now, I have 3 Mandarin language apps on my phone, and I make sure to do 1 lesson each day.
While it might not seem like much, even if you just learned 1 new word a day, after a year, you would know 365 new words in a foreign language!
Related Post: 6 Signs You Need a Social Media Break
Related Post: How to Create Better Habits
Location
Be smart and intentional with where you place your phone. If your phone is a big distraction for you, leave it in another room or across the room. We often reach for our phones because it’s the easiest possible option.
However, if you make it more difficult, you’ll probably find yourself thinking twice. I often do this after dinner. I’ll leave my phone downstairs and that way I’m not tempted to start scrolling when I could be doing something that’s more meaningful to me.
Related Post: Stop Checking Your Email
Leave it at Home When Possible
I know this won’t be practical in all situations, but when possible, I love doing this. For example, if you’re on a date with your significant other, don’t bring the phone. Or, try leaving it in the car or turned off in your purse.
There’s nothing worse than sitting in a restuaurant while the other person is on their phone. Believe me, there are very few things that can’t wait an hour or two while you enjoy some time out.
Related Post: How to Find More Time in Your Day
In Summary:
- Airplane Mode
- Don’t check email on your phone
- Limit the number of apps
- Have social media alternatives
- Kindle App
- Podcasts
- Language learning
- Location
- Leave it at home (when possible)
Last Words:
I know that our phones can be incredibly addicting, and making changes are not easy. But, most of us DO want to spend less time on our phones. However, by starting small, we can slowly change and grow into the women that we most desire to be. If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to subscribe for updates!
How to Spend Less Time on Your Phone
