Overcoming my phone addiction

04 Feb, 2026

Goal:

I don't want to be a servant to my phone; I want my phone to be a tool in my service.

My biggest pulls to my phone, and my reduction measures

• Social media (X, Instagram, Reddit)
  • Just delete. It is easy. Done.
• Messaging apps (Telegram, WeChat, WhatsApp)
  • My rule is never to take phone calls, except for mum and gf. Everyone else must text me first before calling. My do-not-disturb is always on. If anyone asks, just tell them I have an anxiety sickness, so I can't take phone calls. I can use these apps on my computer or check them at set intervals throughout the day.
• AI and Google search services
  • I can just use my computer for these services.
• Navigation maps
  • I can have my phone for navigation when I am on the move.
• Stock market app
  • Just use it on my computer
• Kindle
  • Use the iPad instead.
• Taxi services (DIDI, Grab)
  • I can use this on the move, but hide and lock the phone once you arrive.
• Note-taking (Obsidian)
  • Just use it on my computer
• Calendar
  • Just use it on my computer.
• Internet Banking
  • I can do it on my phone if necessary.
• Browsing anything to kill boredom whenever I am waiting or in transit.
  • Just don't bring a phone, or hide it by locking it in a bag.
• Phone position in the house.
  • It has no reason to sit in my field of vision. It should go directly into my drawer.
• Phone position on the move.
  • Deep inside my bag.

Boredom

Whenever I feel restless, just sit back, relax, and observe. You're not your thoughts. Have some distance. Take out your notebook or iPad and start writing, building a project, or developing a skill.