4 easy ways to stop your cellphone addiction

gloria mari

January 24, 2018 1:10 PM

How to stop being a slave to your phone.

Do you feel as though your phone is a part of you? Do you constantly need to check your phone? Is your cell phone battery almost always 0%?

Don't worry, you are not alone. Research has shown that smartphone addiction is on the rise and they may even be contributing to the deterioration of mental health among young people.

It is therefore important to figure out a way to beat the addiction.

Here are 4 easy ways to do it.

1. Get rid of Vibrate

Chances are, you constantly look at your phone even when you haven't received any messages. Studies show that the average population looks at their phones hourly. Taking away notification alerts will help you break the compulsion to check your phone. Eliminate the notifications for your social media, emails and probably even WhatsApp.

2. Keep your phone away

It's simple but effective. Keeping your phone away from you without vibrations will allow you to concentrate on other things. Only allow an alert should you need your phone for emergencies.

3. Make your home screen simple

Keep the screen saver and the desk top home screen innocuous. You can revert it to the default images so as to make it less attractive to you. According to Google's former Design Ethicist, changing your phone's colour to grayscale should also help with your addiction. Making your phone less colourful will not feel as rewarding whenyou check your notifications.

4. Pick alternatives for the uses of your cellphone

If you like to use your cellphone to be social, opt for face-to-face scenarios.

If you like to use your phones to play games when you're bored, try a novel or a board game.

If your cellphone somehow makes you feel better, engage in mood-boosting activities such as eating, watching a TV series or even sex.