1.) Turn your phone monochromatic
On apple devices this in Settings>General>Accessibility and check the vision area for Grayscale. I had to do this on Android which made me have invoke developer mode using this guide. Many people report benefits from “going gray” such as checking their phone less and spending less time watching videos since color is what provides much of dopamine reaction with notifications and spectacle fueled videos. I’ll admit color was more fun, but that’s kind of the point.
2.) Move time wasting apps off the home screen
The old addage out of sight out of mind rings true. If you won’t see it you’ll be less likely to use it unless you think about needing it for a specific purpose.
3.) Be mindful of your screen time
As someone who spends much of my time behind a screen either working on my website or other side projects I find I need to reduce my phone screen time since often it is the least productive use of my time other than sending off the quick email or Zelle payment. On Android devices you can find this in Settings > Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls. On Apple devices this is in Settings > Screen Time. Knowledge is power.
4.) Write down your goals for the day and use your phone after completing them
I have been using a planner from a dollar store to plan my life on a day by day basis on and off for the past 5 years. When I really need to get stuff done writing it down with a checkbox is a big motivator for me. You can try this method with the phone as the signal that the things you’ve needed to accomplish are done and now it is time to relax and spend an hour on the internet or watching a video.
Did you know if you turn your phone gray and use it less you’ll be less reminded of the red in your portfolio? Sign up for some free stock at Public and try out the gray phone portfolio tranquility.
