Finding Balance in an Off-Balance World.
For many people, a free moment often leads to checking their phone. I often find myself on social media after I contemplate picking up my current read or going on a walk. Endless scrolling during free time can often heighten stress rather than decrease it, making your time of relaxation less rejuvenating.
While it is true that many apps can diminish one’s inner peace and contribute to doomscrolling, there are a few that can have the opposite effect. I have found multiple methods that have proved helpful not only in limiting my screen time but also in making the time spent on my phone less overwhelming.
Screen Zen has proven most helpful in decreasing my screentime; it allows users to set daily limits on apps and blocks notifications from restricted apps, increasing one’s ability to stay offline. Screen Zen allows you to choose how many times you open the app per day and for how long, and keeps track of your streak, showing how many days in a row you have been successful. For me, the streak is what keeps me motivated, along with the customizable message shown. Mine asks, “Why am I checking?” Another prompt encourages users to take deep breaths. Overall, Screen Zen has helped me become more mindful about my intentions when opening an app.
Another step toward making your phone a more peaceful place is carefully choosing the apps you do choose to have on it. A few apps created to help with mental health and productivity include How We Feel, Finch, and Focus Friend.
How We Feel aids in emotional regulation and progress tracking by helping users identify their emotions and related physical sensations. This can help you feel more in touch with yourself.
My phone often contributes to my lack of productivity, but since downloading Finch and Focus Friend, I have reminders on my phone of my goals! Finch motivates goal completion and mindfulness through a growing self-care pet. Focus Friend blocks distracting apps during focus sessions and rewards users with in-app customization options. This is extremely beneficial when you have a task you want to complete but keep getting distracted; I used it recently when completing an assignment.
Additionally, when the urge to scroll occurs, using Pinterest instead of typical social media can foster creativity and a calmer experience by focusing on personal interests without social interactions. This has helped me maintain a peaceful phone environment.
I hope these small changes are helpful in contributing to peace and happiness in you!
Mia Cicoria-Timm, MSW Intern
