Phone Addiction

(taken from thrivingmarriages.com)
I don’t want to look back 20 years from now and know that I missed some of life’s greatest memories, because I was scrolling on my phone.  Here are some depressing, honest, and eye-opening statistics:

• The average person spends approximately 5 hours a day on their phone.
• 10% of couples admit that they have looked at their phone during foreplay and/or sex.
• On average, we check our phones 47- 59 times a day.
• 85% of people check their phone while speaking to their friends and family.

Smartphones are causing a ton of stress and anxiety in relationships.
Tips for creating healthy boundaries and fighting phone addiction.

• Tip 1– Create a really long password to unlock your phone.  This helps resist the temptation to look at your phone in those moments of boredom.
• Tip 2 – Create tech-free zones.  The car is a safe place; so to is the dinner table, your bedroom, and during date nights.
• Tip 3 – Put your phone in a different room while sleeping - Phone addiction shows up especially at night. Out of sight out of mind. Browsing before bed is bad for your eyes, sleep patterns, and stress levels.
• Tip 4 – Evaluate your intentions - Every time you pick up your phone, ask yourself, “What are my intentions and how is using my phone right now going to better my life?”
• Tip 5 – Limit your notifications – Put on DO NOT DISTURB and be more productive and less stressed.
• Tip 6– Ask questions - A smartphone is an easy escape. It’s normal to not know how to engage, especially if you’ve been emotionally disconnected.
• Tip 7 – Ask the person closest to you if you’re dealing with cell phone addiction. Be prepared for an honest response.  You may feel like you’re not on your phone often, but others may have a different perspective. Part of becoming more self-aware is to check in with close friends to get their perspective.

Here are some signs that you may have cell phone addiction

• You can’t enjoy a meal without looking at your phone
• You regularly feel a compulsion to check your phone
• You text or scroll through social media while driving
• You grab your phone during any pause in your day
• You sleep next to your phone and check it in the middle of the night
• You spend more time on your phone than with the people in your life
• Your spouse continues to complain about how much you’re on your phone

From my perspective I know I need to watch for that.   I reckon it is always wise to have the phone, but not check the phone.  If someone wants me (it has happened!!) they will ring.
Picture.  Thanks again Judy.  It is not the first time I have put it on, and probably will not be the last.  It seems so pertinent.