How to be detach and be more productive with your phone

 

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by Nicy B.

Are you a phone zombie? Are you feeling addicted to your phone and unable to pull away? Here are ten ways to use your phone as a daily tool rather than a distraction. 

1. The big main thing is utilizing the "Do not disturb" Mode. You can even alter it where only your "favorites," such as your spouse, parent, or kids, can get in touch with you if needed. 

2. Delete your Social Media apps such as Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and youtube, and only try to access them via your web browser. That way, you still have access to them without the constant need to scroll mindlessly.

3. If you don't want to delete the apps, organize them in a small folder away from the first page. You want to manage your phone to help you, so put your utilities and productivity apps first.

4. Clean your apps; we tend to get an app to download on our phone but then forget about it. Now we have a cluttered smartphone that can be overwhelming. Delete the apps you don't use anymore.

5. Go to your email and unsubscribe from emails that don't serve you. You can even make separate emails. Use one for subscriptions and the other for essential items. Try to check emails only once or twice a day instead of periodically throughout the day. 

6. If you find yourself addicted to your phone, turn your phone to greyscale. Colors attract users' attention and increase brand recognition, memory, and participation. Making them greyscale removes the brand's lure to the users. 

7. In most extreme cases, put a black background on your phone. Not only does it save battery, but it also increases your productivity when the luminous colors don't constantly try to grab your attention. 

8. Turn off and manage your notifications. Go app by app and ask yourself if this is important to keep. Turn it off if it's not as necessary and only gives you a dopamine hit, such as social media or other apps with no urgency.

9. Turn badges off; the little red dot with numbers on the top right of every app gives you a sense of urgency to look. Most people feel annoyed seeing all the notifications, so they remove them by constantly checking and clicking the little bell notification buttons. By doing this, you have removed the interruptions in your life and can be more productive. 

10. Widgets will be your best friend. Widgets can help you better organize notes, calendars, or the weather. You can also use them as shortcuts for the main things you want to check in, such as your schedule.