How To Stop Using Your Phone Too Much

Less screen time, more ‘life’ time

Have you ever been on vacation, but you can’t shake the habit of checking your emails “just in case” or “just for a bit”?

Think about that day-off or weekend where you suddenly thought of work, even when you’re supposed to be enjoying a night out with friends. These moments aren’t unusual.

A study found that knowledge workers who work on their phones have a harder time disconnecting from work even when they have to.

And because many people don’t have an on-off button for their minds, their performance and mental health suffer. If that’s you, a good first step is to take a step back from your phone. The world will not end if you’re less connected.

Whenever I’m tempted to “check” my phone, I think about Sam Harris’ “Don’t Meditate Because It’s Good For You” in the Waking Up App. He talks about the unconscious trade-offs we make with our time and attention.

“Let’s say you pick up your phone to check your email. At that moment, your five-year-old daughter starts telling you a story… You could be so lost in your thoughts about your email, and you could find the urge to…