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- Are you spending too much time on your phone?
- Most people can't go without checking their devices, but if your phone is starting to make you anxious, there are some things you can do about it.
- Try tricks like limiting screen time before bed, using a blue light filter at night, and turning off unnecessary notifications.
Most people can't go without smartphones in hand. But if you're phone is starting to add to your anxiety, maybe it's time to rethink that relationship.
Here are some ways to cut back on the stress your devices could trigger.
Social media balance
Find the right balance with social media. When you are engaging with social media in a proactive way, like posting your own photos and updates, it can create a positive connection.
What's not so healthy is passive engagement -- scrolling without purpose.
READ MORE | Should you tell your boss about your mental illness? Here's what to weigh up
Bad influence
Unfollow influencers if you find yourself comparing your life to theirs. Influencers create polished profiles with curated pictures, creating the perception of a perfect world. If you don't like the way this makes you feel, you don't have to follow those accounts.
Turn off notifications
Turn off all notifications you don't absolutely need. If your phone is constantly vibrating, or you're always waiting for a notification or checking your phone, that could affect your mindfulness.
READ MORE | Loneliness as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to US report
No phones in bed
Don't let your devices steal your sleep. Turn on your phone or laptop's blue light filter in the evenings and limit screen time to 30 minutes to an hour before bed.
