Are you too attached to your phone? Do you use every spare minute to check Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram? Do you miss conversations because you’re too zoned in to the device in your hand. You’re definitely not alone. Experts suggest we actually get a dopamine shot when we see we have a notification. It makes us feel important. However, too much of dependency can lead to anxiety. Do you secretly suffer from smartphone anxiousness? Read on to find out more…
1.You are constantly checking your phone
If you can’t go more than a few minutes without reaching for your device, there’s a good chance you are too connected. One good test is to try going somewhere without your smartphone. If you are anxious the entire time, it’s safe to say your phone has become a crutch. There’s an actual name for this: SSA. Smartphone separation anxiety!
2.Always feeling “on call”
You might be surprised to learn that 84% of people sleep with their phones. Part of this phenomenon might be due to their alarm-clock feature. Nevertheless, constant smartphone use leads users to feel like they’re always on call, which is quite unhealthy. It’s beneficial to unplug from your virtual reality and experience physical reality. You’ll feel less on edge. Smartphone use can lead to sleep loss, which causes car accidents, compromises the immune system, and leads to higher stress levels.
3.Experiencing phantom vibrations
In other words, you are so connected to your phone, you’re feeling the buzz of texts and calls even when they’re imaginary! 89% of college undergraduates experienced this phenomenon. If this frequently happens to you, you might need to reconsider your relationship to technology.
4.Feeling guilty about the amount of time you spend on your cell
If you’re feeling guilt and embarrassment, this might be a single that you and your smartphone are a bit too codependent. Try to cut back to a few hours a day.
5.Negatively affecting relationships
If important people in your life are constantly complaining about your lack of attention, you might need to listen. After all, the people you love are more important than your phone.
What You Can Do
Never fear! Here are some helpful tips:
- Put away smartphones at mealtime
- Read a book instead of mindless surfing
- Use an alarm clock and turn off your phone when you sleep
- Go on a walk and leave your cell behind (just be safe)
- Let people know you’ll be unreachable during certain hours
It’s all about balance. Once you reassess your relationship with technology, you can make your smartphone use a convenience instead of an anxiety-producing addiction. You aren’t alone! Together, we can learn to make our virtual reality a fun place to visit instead of a place to live.
Does any of this sound like you?
I know I’ve had to cut back on my use. I was fairly addicted. How often do you use your smartphone? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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