8 habits for healthier mobile phone use

15th October 2020

It comes as no surprise that we use our mobile phones for everything these days. You might also be surprised at just how much when you head to settings and check your screen time. However, with all the negative press about how much we’re glued to digital screens, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. In fact, having healthier habits with your phone can help in many areas of your life, plus you still feel the benefits that a mobile phone can bring.

Check out some easy ways to create healthier habits to help enjoy life on and away from your screen:

1. Ban phones in the bedroom

The need for an alarm clock faded away when phones created the ability to wake us up in the morning. However, while we might not notice notifications in the middle of the night, the light emitted from the screen can disrupt your sweet dreams. Why not try putting your phone in airplane mode or even placing it in another room and invest in a proper alarm clock to enjoy a blissful night’s sleep?

2. Change your morning routine

What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Like most people, we check our phones. But why not switch it up and head to the shower first before getting hooked on funny dog videos or Instagram stories? This change can help improve your mood and energy in the morning, as you’re not bombarded with news and updates before you’ve fully woken up.

3. Enjoy some digital detox days

If you can’t imagine life without your phone, a day of having no phone may be challenging. However, it can be great for your wellbeing. Most people can remember life before technology took over. So try embracing a day where you go back to this point, spending time with family or just reading that book you’ve been meaning to start.

4. Avoid wearing your phone

Mobile phones are continually receiving and sending signals whenever they’re switched on, so placing them in your pocket could potentially cause health issues. In 2018, the World Health Organisation highlighted there was ‘clear evidence’ that mobile phone radiation was potentially carcinogenic. While this research may be startling, there are some ways to get protection from EMF radiation, and that’s by using anti-radiation phone cases that block most harmful emissions.

5. Utilise apps to manage time online

If you get stuck in a constant reel of watching videos, checking your social media, and general scrolling, why not utilise apps to reduce this? There are many helpful apps that actually block social media for segments of time, or perhaps try an app that records the amount of time you’re online as it might shock you into making some changes.

6. Use night mode

We’ve all heard the news that the light emitted from mobile phones keeps our brain active, and this affects sleep. However, if you do check your phone later in the evening, you can now switch it to night mode to decrease the exposure to this light. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for everyone, and the health benefits that come from it certainly warrant making the switch.

7. Switch to positive apps

While we can be swept up in the number of social media apps and news updates throughout the day, you should try to use your phone in a better way. Mobile phone usage doesn’t always have to suck you down a rabbit hole. There are plenty of well-being apps and productivity tools to help you manage your lifestyle. There’s everything from Headspace for guided meditation to Evernote to plan your time and day better. By using these types of apps, you’ll find more time to do the things you love and still have plenty of use for your mobile phone.

8. Hit the unfollow button

Social media can create a world of inspiration and creativity at our fingertips. Still, it can also make room for the comparison monster. It’s natural to be interested in what others are doing, but social media is a reel of our best bits and rarely shows the full picture. Social media platforms should be a positive place for you to feel good and share your thoughts with others. However, if it’s not providing those things, don’t hesitate to hit the unfollow button on accounts that don’t make you happy.

These are just a few things that can help you have healthier habits with your mobile phone and give you some time to enjoy the little things.