How to Overcome Your Phone Addiction: 5 Tips

2 June 2021

Do you or someone you know have a problem with cell phone use? You are not alone: the problem is increasingly prevalent all over the world.

In this article, find out how to recognize this form of addiction, the potential effects of this problem and 5 tips on how to beat smartphone addiction.

Smartphone addiction: a very real problem

Cell phone addiction is an increasingly recognized and widespread problem in our society. People with this psychological disorder feel an intense need to use their cell phone compulsively to the point where it affects their daily life.

This problem is mainly due to the fact that we are increasingly bombarded with information every day through social networks. Instantaneous interactions create a sense of satisfaction and reward in humans, which is the source of almost all forms of addiction.

Here’s how to recognize a cell phone addiction and the effects it can cause.

How to know you are addicted to your phone

A person living with a smartphone addiction may experience some or all of the following signs and symptoms:

Constant use of their cell phone, whether at work, on public transit, at a family event or with friends or just to look busy
A feeling of anxiety when their cell phone is not within reach or when it is impossible to recharge their phone
Need to instantly respond to text messages, emails and more
Unlocking your device several times a day and checking your social media repeatedly, even if no notifications are received
Difficulty concentrating at work, school, during a recreational activity or even while using the device
Lying to those around them about how much time they spend on their cell phone

The potential effects of cell phone addiction

Smartphone addiction can have a number of negative effects on a person’s psychological and physical health. Here are some examples:

Progressive isolation of the individual and increased difficulty in maintaining quality interpersonal relationships
Development of symptoms of an anxiety disorder or depression
Development of reproductive health problems (phone waves can affect sperm motility when the device is often in the front pocket of pants)
Impact on the developing adolescent brain, including reduced grey matter density in those who use the Internet compulsively
Insomnia and sleep disorders

5 tips for overcoming cell phone addiction

Like all addictions, cell phone addiction can be overcome by doing some serious work on yourself and making changes to your habits. If you’re looking to limit your phone use, these 5 tips may help.

1. Replace your smartphone with a basic device

Every year, the big players in mobile technology unveil new and better smartphones. It can be really tempting for people who are addicted to cell phones to want to get these latest models. However, this habit can make their addiction worse, not to mention very expensive.

To overcome this, buying a used cell phone that only has basic functions (calls and texts) can be a good solution. This will make it impossible to compulsively check your social media. This is a good first step in overcoming phone addiction.

2. Keep track of the hours spent on your cell phone

Sometimes people who suffer from cell phone addiction don’t realize how many hours they spend using their device. Monitoring daily or weekly usage can make the problem much more obvious.

Newer models of Samsung cell phones have an application that allows you to see how much time the device and each application has been used during the day or week. There are also similar applications for other models. This makes it easier to control the hours of use and reduce the time spent on the device.

3. Consider leaving your phone in another room of the house

It can be difficult for people who are addicted to cell phones not to have their phone close to them. They need to get used to being able to leave it in another room without feeling anxious.

For example, people often tend to take their cell phones with them to the bathroom. A good first step to reducing this addiction is to leave it behind when it’s time to go to the washroom.

Another way to overcome this anxiety is to leave your cell phone in another room at night instead of putting it on your bedside table. This will prevent the phone from being the first thing on your mind when you wake up.

4. Plan a day without your cell phone

Organizing a day full of activities where you leave your cell phone at home can help you realize how pervasive the device is in your daily life. This may encourage you to live in the moment and let go of your cell phone little by little, until you overcome your addiction.

5. Try new activities that help you pass the time differently

Similarly, trying new activities and hobbies is a good way to get away from your cell phone. For example, you can sign up for a painting class or a recreational sports club. You’ll have no choice but to leave your phone behind during the class, which will help you enjoy these activities to the fullest and worry less about missed notifications on your cell phone.

Find the right cell phone to beat your addiction with Recycell

Phone addiction is a very real problem that should not be taken lightly. We hope that the tips presented in this article will help you beat your smartphone addiction once and for all.

Looking for an older mobile device model to encourage you to reduce your device usage? At Recycell, you will surely find the perfect device to help you overcome your addiction.

Visit our online store to see our complete selection and buy used phones in Canada.