When it comes to spending time on your phone, you might think you’re doing nothing wrong, but think again!
All that time you spend scrolling through your newsfeed might not seem like it’s taking away from anything, but there are plenty of other things that you could be doing instead that would be better for both you and those around you.
Here are things to do instead of checking your phone, so the next time your mind starts craving distraction, consider one of these instead!
Go Outside
Rather than sitting down, go for a walk. Get some fresh air and breathe again. You do not need your smartphone for this.
Instead of checking your phone every time it buzzes or dings, take a moment to breathe in some fresh air and soak up nature’s beauty.
Make sure you’re fully immersed in these sights and sounds! Put your phone away if you feel yourself getting distracted by notifications. You can always pick it back up when you’re ready to head home.
When was the last time you truly enjoyed being outdoors? Take advantage of the extra sunlight by going for a walk, sitting under a tree, or visiting one of the many parks around town.
Be Focused
Focus is essential when it comes to checking your phone. Being able to say no to anything that will distract you from your work is crucial, especially regarding phone calls and text messages.
Assess why someone is contacting you: do they need immediate assistance? Does it relate to what you’re currently doing? Alternatively, politely tell them no and hang up/close the message.
Exercise
There is no denying the health benefits of exercise, so it is a little perplexing that many people find it challenging to fit it into their daily routines.
You can set your phone to remind you when it’s time for a walk around the block if you’re having trouble finding time for exercise.
Talk to Someone
I’m referring to a real conversation. Maybe you see a colleague taking a coffee break and decide to stop by and chat with them. Designate tech-free zones at home so you can talk with family members without getting distracted by your phone.
What if there is no one else around? Whether in person or on a phone call, we can often feel much better by expressing ourselves verbally.
Whether it’s to your closest friends or a random stranger, talking about our problems is cathartic and helps us identify what is bothering us.
Put on Some Music
Listening to music can help you relax and relieve stress. Studies have shown that listening to music can improve your mood and make you feel calmer.
When our bodies are tense, we sometimes need something to relieve our anxiety and get back to what we’re doing.
Soothing music, like classical or instrumental, can accomplish just that. Give it a try next time you feel yourself starting to get stressed out!
Break Free From The Habit
Breaking a bad habit can be difficult, but it’s essential to your well-being. One way to break a bad habit is to have good habits. If you’re trying to quit smoking or get better sleep at night, you can do things that will make sticking with your new habits easier:
- Get plenty of exercise during the day.
- Schedule time for relaxation.
- Eat healthy snacks when hunger pangs strike.
Check Out this article: Transform Your Life With These Habits
Pay Attention to Your Work
Working from home can be a blessing and a curse. It means you have tons of time to get work done, but you have no accountability for your actions and can start browsing Facebook every day at 3 p.m.
With that in mind, set aside specific periods during which you will not check your phone (e.g., during meals). Try to schedule all your other activities around that time—once those are over, you’re free to recheck your messages.
Last Words
This article provides a list of things you can do instead of picking up your phone. By taking a break from your phone, you can reduce stress and improve your productivity.
Stay tuned for future articles that will provide more tips on how to stay focused and productive.
Image courtesy: Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash