6 simple ways to take a break from your phone

Between screen time notifications, wellbeing reminders and countless articles discussing our digital habits, it's hard to go a day without coming across an opinion on how much time we spend on our phones.

It's easy to feel judged for how we use technology, and sometimes, we judge ourselves too. While many of us would probably benefit from spending a little less time scrolling, it's worth remembering that our phones also play an important role in helping us work, learn, communicate and stay connected.

If you’re worried about your phone usage, it could be time to consider taking a break. Whether that’s a day away from your phone or setting aside an hour or two each day that can be phone-free, it’s worth discovering what works best for you. We share some simple ways you can set yourself up for success and claim back the hours lost to scrolling.

How to take a break from your phone

1. Consider why you want a break

Before getting started, take the chance to stop and think about what has stopped you from taking a break from your phone in the past. Does it make you feel worried or anxious to be away from your phone? Or do you check it more out of habit?

Jot down everything that comes to mind (a simple spider diagram can be a big help). If going cold turkey for a whole day without your phone seems too daunting, start by going phone-free for a morning or a couple of hours in the evening.

2. Pick your time carefully

Consider when you want to try going phone-free. If you’re feeling a little apprehensive, try a non-working day. This can stop you from using the excuse that work may need you (if you’re working from home or are frequently away from your desk for meetings). Letting people know ahead of time if you are planning to be offline for the day can be a simple way to put your mind at rest, encouraging you not to check in with social media and apps frequently ‘just in case’.

Setting expectations with family, friends, or colleagues beforehand can make it easier to properly switch off without worrying you've missed something important.

3. Make it a group activity

Encourage friends, family, or colleagues to do the same. If you are taking a break from your phone at the same time as a loved one, you can both benefit from a full day of quality time to spend together, connecting without the distractions your phone can provide. Phone-free time can be a great opportunity during work hours to spend time on idea generation (as well as making sure everyone is 100% focused on any meetings at hand).

4. Take it slow

Jumping in head-first can be tempting, but it can also be daunting. If going fully phone-free for a day feels like too much, try setting yourself smaller goals to help ease you into things and build a healthy balance. For example, try setting aside a day where you’ll only use your phone for messages, not social media; or allow yourself to check your phone at set points across the day, instead of having it face-up and in your line of sight at all times.

5. Make a phone-free zone

If using your phone before bed is one of your weaknesses, try moving your phone charger away from your bedroom (or, if browsing whilst relaxing on the sofa is getting to be a distraction, try leaving your phone charging in the kitchen), so you aren’t tempted. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, investing in a simple alarm clock can make creating a phone-free bedroom much easier.

6. Track how it goes

If you’re trying out different ways to cut down on your screen time, remember to note down how you are feeling as the set time goes by. Jot things down (the old-fashioned way - no taking notes on your phone!) to see how the break made you feel. Did anything surprise you? Were you more or less anxious than you expected? Did you feel any more present or connected than you thought you would? 

Is taking a break from your phone always the answer?

For some of us, taking a step back, putting down our phones and taking a break can be a positive, empowering experience. With the introduction of screentime features that let us know just how long we spend scrolling through Instagram, browsing Facebook, and losing ourselves on YouTube, it's hard to deny that we can spend a lot of time online. 

However, it's good to remember: it’s OK not to take a break from your phone. While cutting down on screen time can be good for a lot of us, it isn’t for everyone (and that’s OK). It's easy to demonise social media and technology, but the reality is often much more nuanced. It’s worth remembering that they can provide vital connections and significant benefits for different people.

We aren’t all the same; where some of us may be addicted to our phones, others may use them as a lifeline to connect with others, escape, or interact in ways that may otherwise be impossible due to ill mental or physical health. 

Using our phones, tablets, and other devices can have some great benefits, including helping us to:

Create connections

Smart devices can provide an easier way for people who experience social anxiety, are shy, or have communication difficulties to find and connect with other people. Phones, social media and online forums can take away the pressure that can come from face-to-face interactions, whilst providing the opportunity to speak with others who have similar life experiences that we otherwise may not have met.

Foster a sense of community

For those experiencing poor mental health, many report feeling more able to connect with and open up to others online, gaining a sense of comfort and guidance from digital mental health communities.

Online communications can also help many people to reconnect with old friends or colleagues whom they may not otherwise interact with, whilst helping them to stay up-to-date with friends and family who live further away or have conflicting schedules.

Be empowered

Online communities can act as a tool and space for greater feelings of personal empowerment. Getting actively involved in online communities can not only help develop a network of friends but can also help individuals to feel more engaged and involved in the hobbies they love.

From discussing ideas that excite them to cultivating interests, shaping their identity, and discovering who they really are, social media and digital communities can help people to build a network of people outside of their immediate geographical community, exposing them to different perspectives, ideas, and views they may not otherwise encounter.

Feel inspired

Social media can not only help us feel more engaged, but also allows us to discover new causes we can become passionate about. From volunteer opportunities and the work different charities are doing, to world news and the latest events, not all creativity and compassion stem from the other side of a screen, but the spark of inspiration and interest can still come from there.

We're certainly not suggesting staying connected 24 hours a day is the answer, but neither is assuming that technology is always the problem. Like so many things, it's about balance.

If you feel your relationship with your phone has become unhelpful, experimenting with healthier digital habits may help. And if you're struggling to make those changes alone, working with a coach can provide the support and accountability needed to create a healthier relationship with technology and your well-being.