10 Simple Tricks to Spend Less Time on Your Phone and Reconnect With the Real World

Our phones promise connection but often leave us feeling disconnected and distracted. Little pings and notifications constantly interrupt our days, stealing precious minutes and fracturing our focus.

But we don’t have to be slaves to the allure of the screen. With some simple tricks, we can take back control of our time and attention from our devices.

1 Remove email from your phone

Taking email off your phone clears mental clutter. You’ll stop reflexively checking and rechecking messages. Limit email to set times on a computer instead. Remove the temptation to chip away at inbox all day. Reclaim focus for family, friends, and real life priorities.

2 Identify phone-free zones

Protect special spaces like dinner tables or cars. Enjoy being fully present without constant interruption. Make mornings screen-free to start the day grounded. Set boundaries on phone use in your home. Find focus by designing phone-free zones that fit your life.

3 Read an inspiring book

Learn from those who’ve succeeded before you. Let their wisdom motivate your own change. Reading fuels knowledge to overcome challenges. Find a fun reading challenge to stay accountable. Surround yourself with support to build new habits.

4 Go gray

Colorful screens lure the eye and distract the mind. Grayscale mode mutes stimulation and scroll temptation. Toggle between color and gray for balance. Gray makes apps less enticing to open. Reclaim focus from colorful clicks and pings.

5 Do not disturb

Disable disruptive sounds, pings and notifications. Avoid digital overload without missing key contacts. Allow only VIP contacts during do not disturb times. Schedule set hours to take a full break. Find peace of mind knowing you can disconnect.

6 Turn off notifications

Stop constant app nudges designed to grab you. Regain control by disabling notifications. Avoid breaking focus every time your phone dings. Customize settings to your needs and preferences. Stay focused on people and priorities, not pings.

7 Be honest about usage

Awareness motivates change. Track your time to reveal phone habits. See which apps consume your minutes. Knowledge is power – use it! Make informed choices about usage. Consciously decide how to spend your time.

8 Harness the power of pause

A simple band slows usage and creates intention. The friction makes you pause and reflect. Ask yourself if you really need the phone right now. Set an intention before removing the band. Practice mindfulness before tapping apps.

9 Leave your phone at home

Go out without your phone for a day. Fully disconnect to feel freedom. Avoid the temptation altogether for a digital detox. Embrace real world connection and presence. Let go of the safety net and see what happens.

10 Slow the scroll

Loop a rubber band around your phone to interrupt mindless scrolling. The band adds a physical barrier to create small pauses. This friction forces you to rethink each tap and swipe. Use the moments to check in with yourself. Practice mindfulness, not mindless scrolling.