3 ways to turn your cellphone addiction into healthy habits

Dumb Phones Are on the Rise , in America.CNBC reports that companies such as HMD Global, which makes Nokia phones, .continually sell millions of devices similar to what were used in the early 2000s.This includes "feature phones," aka flip or slide phones that have added features like GPS.I think you can see it with certain Gen Z populations — they’re tired of the screens, Jose Briones, dumb phone influencer and moderator of the subreddit, “r/dumbphones,” via CNBC.They don’t know what is going on with mental health and they’re trying to make cutbacks, Jose Briones, dumb phone influencer and moderator of the subreddit, “r/dumbphones,” via CNBC.While HMD's global feature phone sales have declined, its U.S. sales increased in 2022.CNBC reports that companies such as Punkt and Light are getting in on the trend.CNBC reports that companies such as Punkt and Light are getting in on the trend.They are selling phones that cater to those who want to be on their devices and social media less often.They are selling phones that cater to those who want to be on their devices and social media less often.What we’re trying to do with the Light phone isn’t to create a dumb phone, but to create a more intentional phone — a premium, minimal phone — which isn’t inherently anti-technology. , Joe Hollier, co-founder of Light, via CNBC.But it’s about consciously choosing how and when to use which aspects of technology that add to my quality of life, Joe Hollier, co-founder of Light, via CNBC

Smartphones may be incredible tools, but far too many of us spend way too much time on them. Increasingly, mental health experts warn that cellphone addiction can create real problems for users.

“Problematic cellphone use also has a relationship with depression and anxiety, as well as increased substance use including tobacco and alcohol,” explained Teralyn Sell, psychotherapist and brain health expert, to TODAY.

That said, it’s possible to transform your unhealthy cellphone use into something healthier — with the help of your cellphone.

“One of the many advantages of digital tools is that they can be personalized. Today’s technology is smart enough to deliver to individuals the right information at the right time in the most effective manner,” said Stat News.

Here are a few ways to use your cellphone addiction to create better habits:

Set limits

Setting screen limits isn’t just a great tool to monitor young people’s screen time. If you struggle to put the phone down, implementing screen limits might benefit mom and dad as well.

“By reducing screen time, you allow your brain to slow down and focus on tasks without distraction. Over time, this increases your ability to focus as well as regulate emotions and helps you organize thoughts and tasks,” explained Jai Medical Systems.

Change alarm tones

Have you ever been in a deep sleep, then suddenly your alarm starts blaring and you instantly think you’re having a heart attack? Changing your alarm tone regularly can actually give you more energy.

According to a 2020 Australian study, “certain alarm noises can decrease morning grogginess, so you wake up faster and feeling more alert.”

Choosing an alarm with a melody can have “energizing effects” that can increase “arousal, cognition and attention.”

Utilize self-affirmation apps

Delivering a daily affirmation message to your phone, affirmation apps, which often include a short guided meditation, giving you a few minutes of of calm to focus on gratitude before you start checking emails and the latest breaking news.

“These apps offer a wealth of benefits, from helping us focus on the good things in our lives to reducing stress and anxiety, boosting self-esteem, and promoting overall wellness,” according to Pzizz.