Phone Detox: Why is it Important?

1. Phone Detox: Why is it Important? Has anyone pointed out that you spend most of your time chatting, surfing the internet, sending e-mails, using applications and playing with your smartphone? Based on the amount of time and fervor you devote to these pastimes, you can determine if these habits of yours are turning into a problem. Smartphone abuse can jeopardize the quality of your personal relationships and induce poor productivity in your everyday life. How to effectively practice a phone detox: ⚫ ⚫Refrain from using the mobile phone Check the use you make of it. According to a scientific study, students can spend up to 8-10 hours a day using their smartphone. Realizing the seriousness of the situation will motivate you to find solutions and set goals that will help you overcome your addiction. ⚫ ⚫Establish an action plan. Set limits to the daily use of the mobile phone, for example, you could set an alarm that indicates that you are about to exceed the maximum time in which you are allowed to use it.

2. ⚫ ⚫Reward yourself whenever you can limit the time spent using your mobile phone. This positive reinforcement strategy is used by therapists to induce new positive behaviors through a reward system. ⚫ ⚫Take gradual steps. Instead of totally depriving yourself of your cell phone from one day to the next, with the risk of becoming very anxious, it begins to reduce its usage time progressively. ⚫ ⚫Hide it from view. Store your cell phone in a place that prevents you from having it constantly in front of your eyes. While you work, study or engage in any other activity that requires concentration, put it in silent mode to avoid being distracted. ⚫ ⚫Take a vacation from using your smartphone. Choose a short period of time in which to totally exclude it from your life, for example during the weekend. ⚫ ⚫Change your phone settings. Thanks to the notification system, you can be notified every time you receive an email or message (on Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.). Disable each of these notifications. Focus on the present moment. Mindfulness, the ability to be in the here and now, can help you be more centered by helping you control the urge to use your cell phone. Try to stay focused on what you are experiencing now, also paying attention to your thoughts and reactions. Try to leave home without your phone, The fact of not having it will cause you not to think about it so much even though you may have impulses due to your addiction. Or better yet, move to a minamalist or non smartphone to erase all temptation. Practice meditation, even if you are at home. You only need a few minutes and a quiet place. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. You can also try to be aware of your surroundings through the sounds, the air and the smells that surround you. If you follow these tips on how to do a phone detox, you’ll be surprised at how it can affect your daily life in a very positive way.