7 bad smartphone habits to stop immediately
A smartphone is no longer just a simple device. From shopping and gaming to education, smartphones have found their way into virtually every aspect of our life today. As helpful as they are, these little devices can become a source of immense mental and physical suffering if not used in the right manner. Keep reading to learn about bad smartphone habits of which most of us are guilty and tips to avoid them.
Using the phone right before bedtime
Looking at your phone screen within an hour of bedtime may result in poor sleep quality and even prevent you from falling asleep. That’s because the blue light coming out of the device suppresses brain chemicals like melatonin and keeps you awake. Instead, read a good novel before bedtime to fall asleep quickly.
Checking the phone too frequently
Most people have the habit of checking their phones time and again, often mindlessly. Studies have concluded that checking phones too often can interfere with an individual’s overall ability to concentrate. To control this bad habit, turn off unnecessary alerts and notifications and avoid texting after a certain hour.
Keeping the phone screen unclean
Several studies have found that smartphone screens are dirtier than toilet seats. After all, we’re picking up germs from various surfaces all the time on our hands and fingers and putting them on our smartphone, which then comes in contact with our face, contributing to acne breakouts and other problems. The solution is simple: clean your phone screen with a soft, lint-free cloth once a day.
Assuming poor posture while using the phone
Smartphone users tend to hunch over to type or have unusual postures while playing games. This can, over time, lead to pain in the neck, back, and shoulder. To ease and prevent pain, keep your head upright and bring the phone to the level of your eyes.
Texting while walking or driving
When you’re at home, getting lost in the digital world may not be a problem, but when you’re using your phone while walking on the street or driving your car, an accident may just be a swipe away. Stashing your phone in hard-to-reach places while doing such activities may decrease your temptation to check it repeatedly.
Taking pictures unnecessarily
When at a concert of your favorite band or meeting your friends, snapping a couple of pictures is perfectly alright. But taking dozens of photos and shooting long videos may annoy others and prevent you from enjoying the experience. Develop a habit of putting the phone away after taking a few pictures.
Staring at the smartphone screen for too long
Using smartphones for hours at a stretch without blinking much is bad for your eyes. It can cause dryness, eye strain, blurred vision, and even tiredness. To prevent eye problems, blink more often, take breaks every 20 minutes or so, and wear blue-light-blocking glasses.
Though smartphones come with certain disadvantages, no one can deny that they’re instrumental and make life convenient. With that in mind, the federal government launched the Lifeline Assistance program, under which low-income households may be eligible to receive free government phones and free phone service, including mobile data. Note that the eligibility criteria may vary from one state to another.