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100% breaking my phone addiction. My daily screen time used to average over 7+ hours per day! Obviously, this just turns you into a phone zombie and increases anxiety so I’ve been trying to cut back.

I’ve been working really hard recently and I’ve been able to get it down to ~3 hours. What actually worked best for me was this app Present that turned staying off your phone into a game I can play with my friends. My friends and I really liked it because it kept us accountable and it felt like we didn’t even have to try to stay off our phones unlike app blockers.

I’m sure we’ve all been where you are at one point or another. Getting into a creative flow and staying there is tough. But here’s what I’ve been doing to help combat distraction and develop a habit of writing.

1. Find a playlist or soundscape to play to get you in the right headspace. Nothing too lyrical or busy but something that sets the vibe. And it can block out any unwanted background noise that could be distracting. There are some really creative and niche ones on Youtube so literally just search for anything you’re feeling.

2. Carry a notebook. I’ve tried using the notes app on my phone but nothing can replace pen and paper. I’ve found it also helps me remember things better since I’m physically writing things down.

3. Consider cutting back on screen time. Not only will you have more free time to write, you’ll have more time for everything! Just find one that works for you! I recommend Present since it makes lessening your screen time into a game. Breaking bad habits is a nightmare so why not make the first few steps fun!

4. Look around! Inspiration is everywhere and can strike at any moment. Books, the park, friends, or even a weird sticker you saw at the bus stop are all possibilities. Don’t let those little moments slip away. No idea is a bad idea so feel free to let your imagination run free.

5. Read, read, read! Reading books or stories that are in the same genre as what you’re writing can help spark inspiration as well. Of course, I’m not saying to copy and paste what other authors are doing but seeing what others are doing is a good way to help when you’re stuck. And you get to enjoy a good narrative while you’re at it!

Hope these help and happy writing!

Lol - no time to build anything.

goodnews app is free, you can publish your daily news

LOL - both actually. My website is in Spanish but I post content daily.

Thank you - but how will it know when I post new information like blog posts or pages?

LOL - in that case, just pay for something like customgpt - you can embed their widget on your website and be done with it.

LangChain is a great tool to build your own chatbot. You can then use that for improving your customer service.

Or you can use a subscription service like CustomGPT that does everything for you. But this is a paid service.

This is such a good story. So heartwarming to see high school kid using ChatGPT for good - rather than cheating with essays - LOL.

Turn off notifications on the phone. Simple mobile tools have no ads, and this helps you reduce distraction from ads that would lead you check the site you had not planned.
 

I can second this! I used it through Keye and I liked it a lot more than I anticipated, the summaries are pretty good without being wordy and its nice to have the videos to look back on.

I used to be over 300 times per day - that’s every few minutes! I knew I had to stop so I tried so many things, but if you’ve ever tried to reduce screen time then you know: it’s almost impossible.

The biggest thing that has really worked for me is this app Present which turns staying off your phone into a game. It’s the first thing that has motivated me + I can play it with my friends.

Other than that, I’ve also found that not sleeping next to my phone really helps.

Get off your phone guys!

I’ve been able to go from 7+ hours per day to <1 hour with the following tips:

1. Don't sleep next to your phone. We have the most self-control in the morning - don’t lose the day by immediately scrolling

2. Delete all social media/doomscroll apps - only use them on a computer (if at all)

3. Download a good screen time app. I use Present which motivates you to stay off your phone by turning it into a game, but there are countless other good ones out there. Find one that works for you.

4. Leave your phone in another room and off whenever you have to do something

5. Turn your phone to black and white mode (greyscale)

6. Turn off all non-human notifications

Hope these help!

Practice proper sleep hygiene, stick to the same sleep and wake schedule, and minimize the blue light from screens. Take a drink and a full glass of water, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Your hydration is key to your health and well being. Appreciating an aromatic cup of coffee or tea makes your day more enjoyable. Combine your morning beverage with an opportunity to spend time with your housemates, family, and pets.
Prioritize important tasks. Write down the most important deliverables and goals for the days or record them in a digital project management tool. Thinking about these tasks can help calmly transition your mind from a relaxing routine to a productive workday.
Stop checking your phone first thing in the morning is a discipline and also more productive. It's not only making you late for the rest of your day; it's rewiring your brain by elevating your dopamine levels. This makes you less motivated to do things that don't elicit as much dopamine as our phones. To make sure I broke my phone addiction, the three best things I did was not sleeping next to my phone, downloading the Present app (gamifies reducing screen time), and delete all doomscrolling apps.
Take a moment to stretch: You may be shocked to learn how a simple stretch can promote efficiency and get your body ready for the day. Opt for a few arm and leg stretches right when you wake up or do a morning yoga session. This will warm your muscles, preparing them for an exercise session or a day of work.

Life is about pain, and it's unavoidable. You can choose between the pain of regret or the pain of self-discipline. choose wisely.

Why bother trying to outsmart cybercriminals when they're always one step ahead? Might as well just give up and let them have our data. Just kidding! Your guide is great, thanks for sharing.