No time for downtime means no time to rest, be social or simply unplug. We have to actively stop and think about turning our electronics off just to have dinner. This issue is so out of hand there’s an official day dedicated to it. Happening the first weekend in March, the National Day of Unplugging is an annual 24-hour digital detox from technology. It gives us the chance to connect with ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. And we can do it in real-time!
Until then, consider installing at least one app on your phone that allows you to monitor how frequently you’re wasting time scrolling through Facebook or double-tapping on Instagram. You could also take Catherine Price’s advice in her book, “How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life.” She has ways to customize changes to your settings, apps, environment and mindset. It’s all about gaining control of your life.
To add to the advice, we’ve found four apps to help you strike the right life, work and play balance. Kick the habit of the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)! And while using an app may sound counterintuitive, these mobile applications do the opposite of all the others.
1. Moment
Source: Moment
Your phone steals your time, and this app wants you to live in the moment. Named Moment (iOS), it gives you back control of your time. Through short, daily exercises provided through the Moment Coach, you’ll learn how to use your phone in a healthier way. Meaning, you’ll be more present for the parts of life that matter most.
Currently, there are more than seven million users. What’s the first step in this learning process? To put down your phone and get back to real life. Reimagine your relationship with your phone, one day at a time. Download it on the App Store or get it on Google Play.
2. Space
Source: Space
The name is exactly the sentiment of the app. Space (for iOS devices) uses neuroscience and artificial intelligence to help you kick app addiction. And it does so with no shame and no sponsors. What you get instead is a little breathing room to help you take back control.
The app loads moments of Zen before apps you need some space from. It short circuits your instant gratification impulses and you’re back in charge again!
3. Flipd
Source: Flipd
Refocus your mind with Flipd. Time is precious, so Flipd (on iOS and Android) helps you spend it well. You’ve got two options with this app — Light Lock and Full Lock. The Light Lock option is self-control based. Users start the timer to count how long they’ve been consciously unplugged.
In Full Lock, users are blocked for an amount of time from the apps they use. Reminders to disconnect will help you, too. There’s also a Flipd community to stay motivated. The wellness hub has all kinds of good stuff, including deep breathing, therapeutic sounds and meditation sessions.
4. Mute
Source: Mute
Mute wants you to live less on your phone. The app tracks screen time to motivate you to use your phone less, cut time on social media and be more present. Mute will help you to be mindful of your daily phone usage. Mute records what app you checked last before going to sleep, and the first one when you woke up.
The point is for you to monitor how often you check your phone. The real challenge is to see how long you can go without checking! Mute is a free app for iPhones, and it’s available to download from the Apple App Store.
Unplug your life!
No matter how you decide to do it, just do it! Unplug and open your schedule up to the possibilities of everyday life. You never know what you might gain in the process. Stick to your resolution and have a happy New Year!
