If you’re like most people, you likely always have your phone within reach. Whether you’re checking social media or catching up with texts from friends or family, it’s not uncommon to feel like you can’t step away from your smartphone for more than a few minutes. This attachment can prevent you from engaging in other activities, reduce your productivity at work, and prevent you from getting your chores done around the house. Constant phone usage can also be harmful to your mental health. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix if you can discipline yourself enough to put your phone away regularly so you can do other activities.
How harmful is constant phone use?
In theory, having a tiny computer accessible 24/7 would be convenient, but that convenience comes with a price. Spending too much time on your phone can leave you with an unrealistic view of how other people live, especially if you’re constantly checking social media. FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is a phenomenon that has increased significantly since smartphones became popular.
Shopping on your phone or streaming a show is not as stimulating to your brain as doing something like reading a physical book or simply talking with a friend. Overusing your smartphone can negatively impact your mood. You may feel mildly depressed after scrolling for hours when you realize you could have been doing something more productive.
Limit your smartphone usage
Depending on your age, you may remember when internet usage was much more complicated, and smartphones did not exist. While there’s no way to return to this simpler time, you can reduce the time on your phone with some discipline. Consider implementing phone-free hours for yourself and encourage your family to do the same. If you’re feeling burnt out, consider taking a technology-free weekend where you enjoy activities that don’t require a Wi-Fi connection.
Smartphones are an important part of life that allows everyone to access information, contact loved ones, and share on social media with ease. But overusing your cell phone can be detrimental to your mental health. By allowing yourself to put your phone away for certain hours or an entire weekend, you can be present with your friends and family while enjoying activities that don’t require you to be online.
