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Smartphone addiction is so common in our digital age that it’s easy to overlook the very real consequences of overreliance on this technology. Research indicates that overuse of smartphones carries risks that can lead to several problems, ranging from physical discomfort to mental health problems like depression. Luckily, you may not need to rely on willpower alone to take a break from your device. In fact, various technologies can, perhaps ironically, help you stop relying on your smartphone as much as you currently do.
These devices serve different purposes. One of these devices blocks certain apps, allowing you to continue using your phone without getting caught switching between apps. Another piece here addresses the very real difficulty of putting a smartphone aside when so many of us use these devices for work and other practical purposes. When deciding which of these gadgets may be worth your money, consider their specific features and how they address the roots of your particular smartphone addiction.
Cell2Jack lets you receive smartphone calls on a landline
Not all functions of a smartphone are necessarily optional. For example, you probably receive important calls on your smartphone. While it might be nice to put the phone in another room and ignore it every once in a while, this could lead to missed calls. Or, if you pick up the phone to answer a call, you run the risk of being tempted to bring the phone back into the room with you. This essentially reverses the attempt you made to put some distance between you and the device.
Cell2Jack solves this problem by allowing you to receive calls from your cell phone through a traditional landline phone. So, as long as you have a traditional phone in the room with you, you can answer calls without needing to have the smartphone nearby. Additionally, Cell2Jack receives calls through your cellular plan, eliminating the need for a landline plan. This means that it can theoretically save you money in the long run.
Brick turns off apps that distract you
The Brick is another solution to consider when you can’t justify turning off the phone or putting it aside. If you need to use your phone for work or general productivity, the Brick device and companion app at least help protect you from the temptation to check all your unnecessary apps when you should be focusing on other tasks. With Brick, you can select which apps on your phone you want to disable when using this gadget.
Once you’re ready to be productive, you can connect your phone to the Brick unit. The apps you selected will be disabled accordingly. All you have to do is tap your phone on Brick again to activate the apps once you want to use them again. You can also create custom modes. For example, during the workday, you may want to turn off a wider range of apps than you might necessarily need when using your phone during family time.
The Mindsight Timed Lock Box is perfect when willpower isn’t enough
Knowing you need to limit your screen time isn’t the same as being able to do it. Try as you might, you may find that fighting the urge to check your phone is a losing battle. If so, consider investing in the Mindsight Timed Lock Box.
With this useful tool, you can place your phone in a locked container and set a countdown so that the box stays locked until the timer runs out. Naturally, you need to be sure that you won’t need your phone while it’s locked. However, the gadget offers a range of modes. The least restrictive mode allows you to unlock the box whenever you want. The next one lets you set a countdown, which you can replace with an unlock code. The strictest mode allows you to set a timer without an unlock code. The timer offers a maximum countdown of 30 days, allowing you to take a long enough break from your smartphone if you wish.
Not just gadgets: find ways to stop looking at your phone
These gadgets aren’t the only tools available to help you beat smartphone addiction. There are also various apps designed to help users be less dependent on their devices. Plus, taking simple steps like turning off the internet on your phone can be so effective in combating the harmful effects of smartphone addiction that they might even reverse the signs of brain aging.
There’s also an argument for investing in devices that simply offer fewer features than a smartphone. For example, buying a camera that is strictly a camera can allow you to take photos without necessarily needing your phone within reach. An e-reader can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a digital library of books without the distractions of using an e-reading app on your phone. Experiment with different solutions to find the one that meets your needs. If you can break free from smartphone addiction, greater focus (and even happiness!) could be the welcome result.