If there's one thing that can be said about our phones, it's that they're distracting. Social media, games, shopping, there's so much we can do to keep ourselves busy on our phones these days that it sometimes feels impossible to put them down.
This can hugely affect our productivity levels, which can become a real problem. Because of this, it's important to know how to put your phone down. So, here are some tips on how to stay away from your phone while working.
1. Turn On Airplane Mode or Do Not Disturb
A lot of the time, it's our phone notifications that can distract us from work. Whether it's an SMS, a social media notification, or anything else, it's easy to hop on your phone to check something before getting swept up in an app and forgetting that you have work to do. So, if you want to stop this from happening, consider turning your phone on airplane mode or activating the "do not disturb" feature.
While airplane mode disconnects your phone from the internet, the "do not disturb" feature will just stop your device from showing you your notifications, so you won't be so easily distracted. You should be able to turn both of these features on or off in your phone's drag-down settings bar.
2. Turn Your Phone Off
This might be a pretty obvious one, but many of us avoid it. We're now so attached to our phones that the idea of totally turning them off seems a bit too extreme, but there's nothing wrong with giving your phone a rest while also allowing yourself to focus.
So, if you're finding it too hard to stay away from your phone even when it's on airplane mode or similar, consider simply turning it off for a little while.
3. Put Your Phone in Another Room
Popping your phone in another room can really help you stay focused on your tasks, as not having it within your field of view can help lessen your urge to use it. We often go on our phones because they're just there, so it's easy to pick them up and start wasting time. So, putting your phone in another room, where it would take effort to go and get, might actually reduce your desire to go on it in the first place.
Try and put your phone in a room that's the furthest in your home from the one you're working in to help discourage you from picking it up. This is a simple yet effective way to help your concentration.
4. Give Your Phone to a Friend or Relative
Your friends and relatives can be great at holding you accountable when you need it. So, if you just can't seem to control yourself around your phone, handing it to a loved one for a set period is a great way to go cold turkey and get some work done in the meantime. If they know that you need to concentrate, they'll surely be a big help in reducing your screen time and upping your productivity levels.
5. Use a Productivity App
Productivity apps may not work for everyone, but they could prove to be an invaluable asset in your life. This may seem a little oxymoronic, using your phone to help you stay away from your phone, but productivity apps can help you organize your life and set out clear-cut tasks for your success. Knowing what you need to do and having your own checklist can truly keep you on track and away from distractions.
Productivity apps can differ in their layout and features, but usually involve making to-do lists and tracking your progress. Some great examples of productivity apps are listed below.
Any.Do
Any.Do is a helpful and easy-to-use app for all things organized. Using Any.Do, you can create to-do lists, add events to your calendar, and set reminders for important things you need to get done. You can also create folders for your tasks, allowing you to more effectively and cleanly organize your commitments.
Download: AnyDo for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
Fabulous
Fabulous is an all-in-one productivity and habit maker app for those who want to get their life on track and make positive changes for themselves. This app combines motivation, task management, and even learning to offer you the best possible chance of succeeding in your daily goals.
With Fabulous, you can create a list of daily habits, connect with people through the app's community, learn about mindfulness, and even make use of their motivational templates. It really is a great option if you're looking to keep yourself in check.
Download: Fabulous for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
Todoist
If you like to-do lists, then Todoist may soon become an invaluable app for you. As the name suggests, this app lets you create multiple to-do lists for every aspect of your life. Whether it's for work, health, pleasure, or otherwise, having a list of your upcoming tasks and events can play a crucial role in keeping you on top of things. The app also has an activity log so that you can view your progress. There's nothing better than seeing how far you've come!
Download: Todoist for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
6. Turn Off the Wi-Fi
This one only applies if you're working offline. However, if you are able to work without an internet connection, then turning your router off can be a big help when it comes to focusing on the task at hand.
Of course, for this to work, you'll need to disable your mobile data, too, but taking a break from the internet will most likely reduce your screen time significantly and boost your productivity levels.
7. Use an App-Blocking App
App blockers allow you to restrict your use of certain apps in order to limit distractions and keep you focused on what you need to get done. Note that, in order to use these apps, you'll need to give them permission to block apps and view your screen activity (if you want an activity report, that is). There are a number of great app blockers out there, but the three below are among the best.
AppBlock
AppBlock lets you easily restrict your access to any apps on your phone that are becoming too much of a distraction. Not only can you block any app you want using AppBlock, but you can check your phone usage time to see just how much of your day you're spending on it. You can use the app's "Quick Block" feature to instantly block apps with no hassle, and activate its "Strict Mode" when you really need to stay away from distractions.
Download: AppBlock for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
BlockSite
Need to block apps for a set period? Then BlockSite might be the right option for you. With BlockSite, you can select whichever apps you want to block, and restrict your access from them for however long you'd like. But don't worry, BlockSite will allow you to turn off app restrictions if you need to, so you won't be stuck needing to use an app without being able to.
After a day of using the app, you can also check in on your insights to see just how much you're using your phone on a daily basis.
Download: BlockSite for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
Freedom
Freedom is a super simple yet useful app that lets you block apps for set sessions whenever you need to focus. Simply select the apps you want to block, start a session for the desired period, and you'll be able to concentrate on your work without being tempted to check your phone.
Freedom also has a section that lets you learn about productivity, health, and mental wellness. This could prove helpful if you're struggling with any of these factors in your life.
Download: Freedom for Android | iOS (Free, premium version available)
Stay Phone-Free While Working
It can certainly be hard to stay away from your phone, especially when there's a reason why you shouldn't be on it! But the tips and tricks above can be hugely beneficial in helping you stay focused. So, give one or two of them a go and watch as your productivity levels receive a considerable boost.