Smartphones and social media have become a constant part of our daily lives. We are now more dependent than ever on our devices. Some of us could even qualify as a “smartphone addict”.
Do you judge your self-worth by the amount of “hearts” your new Instagram post receives? Do you share every personal detail to your mob of Twitter followers? Rebekah Iliff, Chief Strategy Officer for AirPR, offers some advice on curing yourself of being a smartphone addict in her article, “7 Ways to Curb Your Smartphone Addiction.”
- Be aware. Put your smartphone away when waiting at a crosswalk or crossing the street. Keep your hands in your pockets or clasp them behind you. You should always pay attention to your surroundings and where you are walking.
- Protect your personal data. Pay with a credit card or cash instead of using apps from your smartphone to pay a retailer.
- Listen to the flight attendant. When he/she tells you to turn off your phone, turn it off. Try starting a conversation with the person next to you or reading a book while the plane takes off.
- Use an alarm clock. Let your mind wind down at the end of the day by placing your phone out of reach. Your smartphone doesn’t need to be the first and last thing you see every day.
- Unplug. Establish smartphone free hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. You will be more engaged during time spent with friends and family. You will also feel more relaxed during your alone time.
- Engage. Talk to the person next to you next time you’re in line instead of fiddling with your phone. Conversations in real life are generally more exciting than those online.
Some final thoughts in an excerpt from Iliff:
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P.S. On your deathbed, you will not wish you had spent more time with your smartphone. Think about that the next time you are standing idly by–or what you think is idly by.
Put. It. Away.
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