With smart phones having access to download apps for just about everything, it’s no wonder that most of us are spending more hours looking at a screen than we would like to admit. Sure, many of us have jobs that require working on a computer, but what about the rest of the day? The time can add up, and studies show that excessive screen time is bad both for our physical and mental health. So how can we reduce it without locking up our phones entirely? This one simple solution.
Declutter Your Phone’s Home Screen
How can removing apps from the phone screen make you spend less time on the phone? The theory is that by not seeing apps that we notoriously use to waste time (like Instagram, Twitter, games…) we will be less likely to open them. This theory is similar to what commonly happens in supermarkets. You go in with the intention of buying one thing, and come out with all the special items on display. But the cookies were calling my name! Same goes for those apps. You might go in your phone simply to respond to one message, and end up 20 minutes later scrolling deep in your Instagram feed.
Decide Your Own Strategy
What apps are kept on the home screen are your call. For most people, the messages, email, calendar, and settings all serve very specific purposes that typically we don’t get lost in. Therefore, these are most likely “safe apps” to leave on the home screen. The other apps however, are better off on other pages so they are less accessible. Remember, out of sight, out of mind!
The Screen Solution Success Rate
Undoubtedly, having to swipe one or two screens is not that huge of a time obstacle to prevent you from spending time on your screen. However, if you don’t have these apps displayed first thing when you unlock your phone, you are less likely to be thinking about them. It’s ultimately a test of your own self restraint, and if reducing your screen time is a true personal goal. Just think about all the time you will have for other activities in your life!
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