Has any one else ‘broken up’ from their phone ( and unhealthy phone use habits?)

[Labradabradorable]

And yes, I do recognise the irony of posting this on social media.

Over the past couple of years, perhaps triggered by lockdown/ anxieties about the news etc. I’ve developed some pretty unhealthy phone habits. Checking Facebook dozens of times a day, an hour scrolling through Mumsnet, just picking up my phone as a matter of habit ( and rudely ignoring my family members, distracting myself from work etc.), delaying getting up due to phone scrolling.

I’ve resolved to ‘break up’ with my phone and to break these habits. This month, I’m using the book ‘How to break up with your phone’ and it’s going well. I’m keeping my phone out of sight, out of mind and am using it much less. I feel much less present and engaged with life. Still find some ‘triggers’ such as arriving in my office, being in a queue etc.

Has anyone else managed to break unhealthy phone habits? Any tips or ideas gratefully received.

I went cold turkey last year and switched back to a 'dumb' phone. It has helped, though admittedly not being able to some apps has been a pain at times.

Following, I have tried and failed a few times. Must try again

Following. I hate how much I am on my phone!

I deleted FB from my phone which helped a lot.

Ish.

I try to do the following:

• no phone after 9pm
• no TV and phone simultaneously (check phone in ad breaks)
• chores in ad breaks (more of a TV one - basically instead of sitting on my bum going to do washing up etc in 3m bursts)
• mute all apps - go to them purposefully to do tasks rather than letting the apps decide when they want my attention
• and, for the environment, inbox zero - storing old messages etc uses carbon, so I delete as they come in

I did and found it very helpful, although I have slipped back into old habits somewhat.

Thank you! I love the zero inbox idea. I have 30k messages in my inbox.

If you have Gmail and select Promotions, then you can delete the whole inbox of rubbish sales emails in one go.