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Am I Addicted To My Phone?

Worried you may be overly attached to your mobile?

Many of us simply couldn’t imagine being without our mobile phones. We rely on them for so much: chatting with friends, checking our social feeds, calculating sums, and even tracking our physical health. However, if you’re concerned you’re spending too much time on your phone, or are worried you may even be addicted, you may need help to break your negative mobile habits. Read the signs of being addicted to your phone – and tips on how to find a healthier balance…

I CAN’T SLEEP

Are you guilty of scrolling late into the night? Or do you lie awake, tossing and turning for hours on end, even long after you’ve put your phone away? This could be caused by blue light emitting from your phone screen which research suggest disrupts your natural sleep cycle.

TRY THIS: Wind down before bed by going screen-free. Switch off your phone or leave it in another room to avoid temptation. Pick up a book or relax in a bath to get your mind and body ready for sleep.

Get more screen-free ideas here.

I FEEL ANXIOUS

Do you get waves of panic if you can’t find your phone? Do you feel anxious if you can’t instantly check your feed or if you accidentally leave your phone at home?

TRY THIS: Try to give yourself phone-free time throughout the day. Start small – you can try going without your phone for 30 minutes – and cope with anxious feelings by keeping yourself busy or practising breathing exercises. You can then build up your time, little by little, until you feel comfortable being without your phone for hours.

Get more advice on dealing with anxiety here.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS STRESSING ME OUT

If social media is making you feel stressed and anxious, it may be time to make some changes. Social media can sometimes make us feel self-conscious or bad about our own lives and that’s not healthy.

TRY THIS: Unfollow accounts that make you feel negative in any way. Mute your alerts or delete your apps or the entire account completely. We all need a break from social media from time to time.

Get more advice on reducing your social media intake here.

I’M ALWAYS DISTRACTED

Do you find yourself checking your phone when someone is talking to you? Or do you sometimes miss a joke or a conversation because you’re too busy focusing on your screen and not your friends?

TRY THIS: Switch your phone to mute or flight mode and put it away so you won’t be tempted to glance at it every few minutes. Give your friends or family your full attention and get involved with the conversation without the distraction of notifications!

Looking for more advice on being a good mate? Click here!

I CAN’T STOP SCROLLING

Ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling, lost down a hole of memes, only to find an hour or more has passed and you hadn’t even noticed? You’re losing valuable time. Time you could be spending in a more positive, fulfilling way.

TRY THIS: Fill your time with something other than your phone. Lock your phone away in a drawer or switch it to silent to give yourself a break. Try a new hobby, pick up a book, or arrange to meet friends to keep you busy and entertained.

Stuck for ideas? Click here for 10 New Things To Try Today!

Curated by

Sian Dolan
Sian Dolan is a content writer for Hidden Strength with a background in children’s and teenage magazines. She feels it’s more important than ever to write supportive, engaging features for young adults who need a guiding light and a helping hand with their mental health and wellbeing.