Smartphones are a wondrous invention. A mode of communication that has brought nearly everything we could ever need to our fingertips. So much so that our smartphones feel as if they have morphed into an extension of our bodies. When you reach the point of checking your phone every 5 minutes or having a complete breakdown at the thought of forgetting your phone at home, it's time for a break.
Now, we don't expect you to just quit cold turkey. We do, however, have simple steps to help you call it (kind of) quits with your phone:
Admit you have a problem
They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. So if you answer yes to any-or all-of the following questions, please proceed to the next step.
Do you panic when you've misplaced your phone?
Are you on your phone during social situations or in the presence of family?
Do you carry your smartphone everywhere, even to the bathroom?
Do you go to sleep and wake up looking at your phone?
Create boundaries
Designate times throughout the day to take advantage of "Do Not Disturb" and silent modes on your phone. The Facebook notification from your cousin who just commented on your latest status will still be there in a few hours. We promise the initial pain of not seeing a text or notification the minute you receive it will subside.
Out of sight, out of mind
During family time or hanging out with your friends, put your cell phone in a place you won't hear or see it. Challenge your family and friends to do the same. If you're out to eat with friends, the first one to touch their phone has to pay for an appetizer.
DON'T sleep with your phone
The old "it's my alarm clock" excuse just won't do. Buy an alarm clock and banish the phone to the other side of the room. Or place it on your nightstand-face down!-before getting into bed and keep it that way unless there is an emergency.
Go on a full detox
Use a weekend to immerse yourself in a full detox. Put your phone away on a Friday and don't pick it up again until Sunday.
Still not convinced a digital detox is for you? Think of all the data you'll save. Think of not having to worry about your battery depleting so quickly. Break it to your phone gently, though. After all, it's not the phone... it's you.