7 Proven Ways to Break Your Phone Addiction

As a parent of two who makes his living online, I know full-well the internal battle to harness the benefits of smartphones without falling prey to their intentionally addictive design. Learning how to use our smartphones effectively may be one of the most important life skills any of us can learn.

Read more about kicking a cell phone habit here:

--

You can read more about simplifying life in my book, The Minimalist Home.

Find Becoming Minimalist on Facebook, and Joshua Becker on Instagram and Twitter.

--

Timestamps:

#becomingminimalist #phoneaddiction

[joyfullifestyle]

When he said “you’re probably watching me on your cellphone right now....” I felt guilty. Great content. Thank you for the reminder.

[missymurphy]

I started using my phone less when I realised social media was creating chaos in people. So, I deleted two social media apps that do not benefit me at the moment. I use YouTube as an educational and entertainment tool as well as learning things about the Bible. I am going through withdrawal, but when I picture a certain person’s face I immediately tell myself. Nope, it’s not worth it. There was a time when I lived without social media, and I would love to go back to that. Each month I re-evaluate what apps I don’t use or benefit me, so I delete those. When you are getting jealous of someone else’s life and hateful comments are spewed from a family member, it’s time to change things...

[littleleafy]

"you're probably watching me on your cellphone right now." You got me. 🙈

[yaelkaner]

In Israel we have 25 hours a week without the phone...Shabbat.

[ssing]

Hahaha. Only guy who could be cool using his mom as a reference on YouTube. You rock Joshua. Thanks for the video. Embraced minimalism a couple months ago and feel lighter. More free. Calmer. More clarity. Better sleep. Go with the flow mentality. Thank you for sharing.

[GStar]

I keep my phone on silent 100% of the time and I don’t allow any notifications. Taking these steps has allowed my phone to be a tool for my use - not something that dictates me.

[carolynmontibello]

These are such good tips. I had to have my 12 year old son point out how I was on my phone too much. He saw me trying to sign up for Pinterest and he said something along the lines of Mom, don't do it...it'll get you and take control...lol 😀

[TheDriftwoodlover]

Such a timely topic Joshua. I need to implement several of these. The hair band tip is great and easy.

[Cubelixa]

You got me! I'm wasting away my morning watching videos about minimalism on YouTube. 😃 🙈

[suesue]

It's funny how (it seems that) your hair is the second most discussed thing on your channel. Love your videos!

[stampsfungin]

As a senior, I take 2 walks a day, and don't take my phone. I use the time to think about my relationships, health, nature and my future. Love it. I've never taken my phone into my bedroom at night. I guess I'm so old and am not used to having a cell phone all that much, so that helps. And i've read your book, got it at the library, so no clutter!

[kajsa]

This is exactly what I was thinking about. I am thinking to delete my Instagram account because I spent too much time there and get too much unnecessary information. But at the same time I feel guilty because I believe that I am loosing something important (what a shame!). Seriously, this is an addiction.

[dubosesjoy]

This is so good! On Sunday’s we don’t let the kids play on their tablets or watch TV, but... I still use my phone. Now that we are quarantined... my usage is out of control. I’m going to make a conscious effort to put it away... especially on the day we limit it for the kids! And yes... I did watch this video in my phone with it plugged beside my bed... watching it late at night...

[elainehewlett]

A radio alarm clock was a great change for me. Left phone downstairs at night and woke up to chilled music instead of horrid bleeping. Much better all round!

[TimmyIAm]

When I go out I normally always leave my phone in my backpack or esky or my car. I only pull it out for messaging a friend I'm meeting or to make important calls. I normally only check my my socials 1-3 times a day but when it comes to YouTube I watch videos a lot (when I'm not working) but I'm cutting back on it.

[jenglenn]

Yep! watched it on my phone 😊 Thanks for the encouragement

[jenniferarcher-bock]

Such great advice! Our family is trying really hard to break this habit. It’s easy to manage the kid’s phone use but I feel hypocritical not leading by example.

Side note- his wife is stunning- total Elizabeth Banks look alike! 🌷

[lauralong]

I put my cell phone away for most of the day. I also do not engage in social media and treat my email like snail mail rarely checking it. Drives my friends crazy, but I’m free. ✌️

[rockhps]

It’s crazy when I check my screen time stats and see that I somehow was on my phone for 4 hours a day! 🤯

[darwincruz]

Thanks Joshua. I hope you can make a video also about what’s on my iPhone or what apps you use. Love it if you would say why you don’t use phone cases. Great videos as always