Since the release of smartphones, we have seen many changes, some good and some bad!
Our social, work lives, and entertainment are deeply connected to digital devices. The engagement has particularly increased since the pandemic.
Statistics show that 86.41% of the world population own a smartphone, and an individual touches their phone an average of 2,617 times a day – Well, this is quite intriguing, but oh, well, that’s how things are. Additionally, a USC study showed that teens who heavily use digital devices are more likely to experience ADHD symptoms.
Despite a smartphone’s advantages, it has greater disadvantages when overused, like an addiction. Honestly, phone addiction has affected so many of us. And if you are looking for a solution to this ‘disease,’ you are in the right place!
So then, how do you know you are phone addicted, and how can you break it? Read this article to learn about the symptoms of phone addiction and how to break phone addiction ADHD.
Breaking Phone Addiction; Here’s What You Need to Know!
Phone addiction is a real problem and may manifest differently with each owner. Some may be glued to scrolling till late across social media such as TikTok, Twitter, or Instagram. You may also find staying in the present or your surroundings difficult.
According to a recent study by Anna Lembke, smartphone owners can only last two hours using their phones. Most of the phone addicts are teenagers, with 44% of them using their phone when they wake up and 42% feeling anxious when they don’t use it.
Related Read: WHAT IS THE MILITARY METHOD OF SLEEPING – LEARN HOW TO FALL ASLEEP IMMEDIATELY!
What are Phone Addiction Symptoms?
If you believe you or someone you know has a phone addiction, below are phone addiction symptoms you need to look out for:
- Withdrawal symptoms while away from your phone include anger, anxiety, tension, restlessness, and irritability.
- Overusing your phone to achieve the desired effect.
- Preoccupied with your smartphone to the point of losing track of time.
- Strain in your relationship and work due to excessive smartphone use.
There are also psychological effects of using smartphones too much that may affect your mental health. They include:
- Depression and anxiety.
- Change in sleeping pattern.
- Relationship and work problems.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
One may manifest one or more of these symptoms while using their phones for a long time. If unsure, you can conduct a phone addiction test and answer a series of questions for confirmation.
3 Ways to Stop Phone Addiction?
Fortunately, phone addiction is not a serious problem, but it largely affects how you live your life. There are measures you can take to reduce phone usage. We shall explain how to stop phone addiction for students and adults. You will also learn how to stop child phone addiction for children of all ages.
- Practice Screen Fasting
Just as you practice junk food fast, so should you implement screen fasting. You may be asking yourself, what is screen fasting? It involves avoiding using all screens, not smartphones, between a day and a month. The length of your fast depends on the level of your addiction.
You can start with a 24-hour fast, while people with severe cases can avoid their screens even longer. This is, however, not a guaranteed solution since we still have to use our phones to communicate with colleagues, friends, and family. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms, but they will cease with time.
- Regulate Scrolling Hours
Instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone, try regulating the hours you spend using your phone. In most cases, you may not realize that you are using your phone; instead, you are “passing the time.” Solve this by trying mindful scrolling, where you set the days and hours you use your phone and focus on it.
Regulate your smartphone usage a little by applying mindful scrolling and it will eventually break your phone addiction as well as its effect.
- Set Rules on Areas to Use Your Phone
A less strict and guaranteed remedy you can use to break phone addiction is to limit the areas you use your phone. Put away your phone in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen at all costs. You can also put it away as soon as you walk in the door.
This way, you can avoid the distraction from your phone and focus on being productive. Apply this rule to your spouse and children, and you will see a change in your everyday routine. You should also avoid charging your phone near your bed as it’s the cause of sleep deprivation and other effects associated with phone addiction.
With the massive rise and growth of smartphone use, there is also a concurrent growth of phone addiction in both teenagers and adults. The solution to breaking phone addiction is not using it but mindfully instead of mindlessly scrolling. Applying all the tips above will teach you how to avoid using your phone too much. It will also improve your physical and mental health and that of your family.
Stay tuned to The Glam Lives for more informational content!
Feature Image Source – Image by mohamed_hassan from Pixabay
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