As marketing professionals, the first and last item many of us interact with daily is typically our smartphone. Upon realising that my smartphone usage was spiralling out of control, affecting both my personal life and professional productivity, I knew it was time to take a stand and regain control over my phone screen time.
Recognising this, I decided to embark on a journey of digital self-discovery.
This article documents that journey and demonstrates how you too can transform your phone from a time-thief into a productivity enhancer.
The Science of Smartphone Engagement
Our repeated interaction with various apps on our phones is not accidental. It’s a deliberate strategy developed by app designers to keep us engaged for as long as possible. This engagement strategy leverages an effective system of rewards and challenges, which makes them almost irresistible.
When it dawned on me that willpower alone wouldn’t suffice to curb my phone screen time, I started exploring practical solutions. I wanted to enhance my productivity, improve my sleep, and establish healthier morning routines. It was then I stumbled upon a unique feature, right under my nose – on my smartphone.
- Get why apps are addictive: Just know, those app creators make them engaging on purpose.
- Own up to your habit: Be honest with yourself if you’re spending way too much time on your phone.
- Start looking for answers: If your phone use is getting out of hand, it’s time to hunt for a solution.
Your Phone’s Productivity Secret
On iPhones supporting the latest iOS, there exists a smart feature known as Screen Time. Hidden within your phone settings, Screen Time provides a comprehensive overview of your app usage and offers control over how and when you interact with different applications.
You can impose restrictions on your entire app suite or customise restrictions for specific apps for a designated period or certain days. This function piqued my interest – could it be the catalyst for a more positive, sustainable screen routine, particularly before bed and upon waking?
Using Screen Time to Redefine Evening Routine
When my screen time restriction kicks in at 10 pm on weekdays, I am prompted to conclude any screen-related activities, including watching films or web browsing. By incorporating the widely recommended practice of avoiding screens 60 minutes before bed, I successfully curtailed my pre-sleep Instagram browsing.
Taking an extra step to access apps by opting to “ignore the limit” discourages unnecessary phone usage. As a marketer, this gave me more time to unwind, read, or engage in meaningful conversations with my partner. The result? An effortless victory for my Screen Time strategy!
- Time it right: Set your Screen Time to kick in at a certain hour.
- Say no to night-time screens: Try to stay away from screens for at least an hour before you hit the hay.
- Use the “Ignore Limit” wisely: It takes an extra click to ignore the limit, which can make you think twice about scrolling through Instagram.
Transforming Morning Routine with Screen Time
Like many marketers, I rise early, often seeking an adrenaline kick from my phone to jumpstart the day. However, this often led me down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling.
- I customised my Screen Time settings to only allow my meditation app, meditation audio, and Meco (for morning reads) during the first hour of my day.
- Incorporating Meco into my morning routine enabled me to start my day with curated, insightful newsletters.
- This simple routine, coupled with most of my apps locked until 8 am, eliminated guesswork from my morning and kept me focused on productivity.
Transforming Your Phone Usage
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.”
zig ziglar
While Screen Time is an iPhone-specific feature, taking time to find a similar tool on your device can drastically improve your productivity. The key lies in establishing routines that work for you, using them repetitively, and harnessing the power of habit to reshape your relationship with your smartphone.
As marketers, a better grip on our digital habits can directly translate into increased productivity and better work-life balance.
A Few Final Reminders
- Do I always have to have Screen Time on? Nope, not at all! Screen Time is a tool for you to use when you feel like you need it. You can turn it on and off, or adjust your settings whenever you like. Remember, it’s there to help you manage your time on your phone, not to make life harder!
- Can I use Screen Time on other devices? Screen Time is a feature specific to Apple devices. However, most smartphones and tablets have similar functions. Check your device’s settings or do a quick online search to find out how to manage your screen time on different devices.
- What if I need to use an app during the restricted time? Screen Time isn’t a jail warden! If you really need to use an app during the restricted time, you can choose to “ignore the limit.” Just remember, the goal is to create healthier habits, so try not to make a habit of ignoring your own limits.
- Will using Screen Time make me more productive? It can definitely help! By limiting distractions and setting a clear plan for when and how you use your apps, you can better focus on tasks. However, remember that it’s just a tool. You’ll also need to put in the effort and create routines that work for you.
Remember, the journey to better productivity isn’t a race. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you. So, why not give Screen Time a whirl and see how it can help you?
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