Trendy Tourist

Travel in Style

  • Travel Fashion
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Guides
      • Asia
      • Europe
      • North America
      • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Collaborate
    • Advertise
    • Guest Posting
    • Contact
  • Shop
    • Travel Fashion Favourites

Explore

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Guest Posting
  • Shop
  • Contact

Connect

Lifestyle · August 1, 2018

10 Phone Tips to Help You Survive the Digital Age

Let’s face it, the digital age is wondrous. Technology is continuing to develop at an exponential rate.

And with the evolution of the internet, social media and smartphones, we’ve never been more connected as a society. We can speak face-to-face to an old pal in Australia, drop our boss a quick note and grab ourselves a date – all within a few clicks of a button.

Sure, this means that there are many benefits of living in a digital world. However, there are also some downsides. (Black Mirror, anyone?)

As Matt Haig describes in his latest amazing book, “Notes on a Nervous Planet,” technology has a habit of over-cluttering our already-cluttered minds.

You see, our brain only has so much capacity. It finds it super difficult to handle multiple thoughts and ideas at once. Especially if you’re constantly jumping from one app to another, and not letting your brain truly focus on one thing.

That’s why it’s important to put your phone down sometimes for the sake of your mental health.

In fact, read on for 10 phone tips that will help you avoid information overload and successfully live a life that doesn’t rely on technology.

10 Phone Tips to Help You Survive the Digital Age

(Please note that this post contains an affiliate link. To read our full privacy policy, click here.)

Contents

  • 1. Don’t Feel Like You Always Have to be There
  • 2. Turn Off Your Notifications
  • 3. Limit Phone Time to Once a Day
  • 4. Don’t Be On Your Phone Right Before You Go to Sleep
  • 5. Stop Multitasking On Your Phone
  • 6. Don’t Look At Your Phone When You First Wake Up
  • 7. Be Present At Social Events
  • 8. Remember That Our Ancestors Coped With Being Phone-Free So We Can Too
  • 9. Indulge in Regular Digital Detoxes
  • 10. Keep In Mind That Your Phone is an Inanimate Object
  • Phone Tips for the Digital Age
  • Katie Davies

1. Don’t Feel Like You Always Have to be There

Firstly, is anyone else as rubbish at replying to texts, Snapchats and WhatsApps as I am?

And then do you also get certain members of your tribe yelling at you because you haven’t got back to them in weeks and they’re worried that you’ve forgotten they exist?

If so, don’t worry. In Matt Haig’s new book, he explains how we don’t need to succumb to the pressure of responding to phone messages instantly. He says that we should choose not to feel that obligation and simply let them wait.

Why? Well, if your loved ones truly care about you, they’ll be understanding of your busy lifestyle. And they’ll trust that you’ll get back to them eventually.

Problem solved.

2. Turn Off Your Notifications

Speaking of the pressure to respond instantly, this mostly comes from the influx of phone notifications we receive on a daily basis.

That’s why you should just switch them off if you need to. Especially if you’re in a work meeting, trying to help your mate move house without interruptions or just sick of all the pinging.

Personally, I’ve done this several times with Twitter and Instagram and it’s so refreshing to feel like you’re not being distracted all the time.

Why not try it for yourself?

3. Limit Phone Time to Once a Day

Additionally, I’ve only been going on social media and answering messages just once a day for the last 12 months.

In fact, I have 30 minutes of “phone time” every night. And that’s it.

And do you know what? It feels great. I no longer feel like I’m overwhelmed with phone activities or on my phone too much.

If you want to take a leaf out of my book, start limiting the amount of time you’re on your phone every day – and you’re bound to live a simpler, happier life.

4. Don’t Be On Your Phone Right Before You Go to Sleep

Phone tips 101: I understand that a lot of us use our phones as an alarm, but try not to be on your phone right before you go to sleep.

Sure, I used to be guilty of doing this. However, I stopped when I learned that the blue light emitted from our phones can mess with our sleep melatonin levels.

The result? It keeps us awake for longer and lowers the quality of our sleep. And that’s not ideal when we need sleep to function as human beings!

Phone Tips

5. Stop Multitasking On Your Phone

As I mentioned before, our brain can only work optimally at a certain capacity and constant multitasking can overload it.

In fact, multitasking can also make you lose focus and increase your stress levels. And who wants that?

Instead of jumping from one app to another all the time, make mono-tasking your new best friend.

What’s mono-tasking, you ask? Well, it means focusing on one thing (or one app) at one time. And it’s revolutionary.

6. Don’t Look At Your Phone When You First Wake Up

If you want to avoid feeling in demand and start your day feeling refreshed instead, don’t check your notifications as soon as you wake up.

I know most of us scroll through Facebook first thing in the morning like the daily newspaper. That said, by doing this, you’re setting your mind up to be cluttered before you’ve even had your breakfast coffee.

Instead, de-cleanse yourself from the phone bug before you start your day and only check your phone during your designated phone time.

And you’ll be amazed at how much this helps your mental health.

7. Be Present At Social Events

Okay, hands up – how many people are guilty of being on their phones when they’re supposed to be socialising with their friend/family member/colleague? (Delete as applicable.)

Don’t get me wrong, if you’re checking on the progress of your sick Aunt, that’s a bit different. However, if you’re scrolling through social media purely to see what’s going on? Shame on you!

I know we’ve all done it, but try to make a conscious effort to stop giving your phone more attention than the people you’re supposed to be spending time with.

I mean, you can go on your phone during phone time later. But you don’t have as many opportunities to socialise in person with the ones you love. Think about it.

8. Remember That Our Ancestors Coped With Being Phone-Free So We Can Too

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we all functioned perfectly fine as a society before phones and technology rocked our world.

To put it bluntly: having a phone in our pocket is not the be-all and end-all.

And it’s important to remind yourself of this when you’re crying into your cocktail because your phone died before you had chance to take photos of you and your friends on a night out. Or when you’re having a strop at work because you left your phone at home and you won’t be able to check Facebook in your lunch hour.

(Been there, done that, got the T-shirt…)

9. Indulge in Regular Digital Detoxes

Now, I know we’ve talked about being phone-free for most of the day, but what if you were phone-free for longer periods of time?

Whether you have one on a week-long holiday or just a weekend getaway for your pal’s hen do, a regular digital detox is paramount for our sanity in this era.

It just makes you feel so at ease knowing that you don’t have a phone to deal with.

Sure, it’s a more simplistic lifestyle, but sometimes you just need a bit of calm in your life so that you’re prepared to deal with the especially hectic times. Right?

10. Keep In Mind That Your Phone is an Inanimate Object

Last of my phone tips but certainly not least: don’t forget that your phone is just an object at the end of the day. It can’t hug you hello or listen or give you advice on your problems like a human can.

One of the best phone tips from Matt Haig’s book is not to bother talking to your phone or swearing at it when you’re angry. And avoid throwing it across the room.

Why? Because it honestly won’t know what on earth you’re doing. 

Instead, put your phone into perspective and remember that it’s just a phone at the end of the day. A useful tool, perhaps, but it doesn’t really hold any value in the grand scheme of life.

It’s the people around us who matter, not inanimate objects.

Phone Tips

Phone Tips for the Digital Age

There are many wonderful things about technology.

Having said that, there are also some not-so-wonderful things about it too. And, in this day and age, it’s easy to let your phone rule your life.

Even if you’re a person who doesn’t exactly need phone tips, sometimes we all need to remember to put down our phones to stay more connected to society, and to offline life.

Katie Davies
Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. In the last four years, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    East Coast Australia Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    Top Things to Do in Wilmington NC

Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Lifestyle

The Power of Straw Bags for SS18
Why is the Seaside So Popular and Good for the Soul?

You’ll Also Love

Ways to Unwind After Work10 Ways to Unwind After Work When You’re Stressed
Why We Chose to Elope in a PandemicWhy We Chose to Elope In The Middle of a Pandemic
Cooking Virtual Date Ideas15 Virtual Date Ideas For Long Distance Couples

Sign Up to Our Mailing List to Receive a Free Packing Guide!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FEELING LOVELY IN LILAC. 🤗 [AD - GIFTED] I, l FEELING LOVELY IN LILAC. 🤗  [AD - GIFTED]  I, like so many others, am over the moon that lockdown restrictions are starting to lift in England and we can shop, eat and drink outdoors again. 🎉  However, fashion-wise, I’m finding it tough to get out of my joggers. Anyone else? 🤣  While I’m still working my way up to jeans, I’ll stick to these lilac lovelies by @femmeluxefinery.  Not only are they super comfortable but, if you don’t already know, lilac is going to be a huge colour trend for Spring/Summer 2021. In fact, any kind of pastel colour palette should be prioritised to stand out in style this season. 🌈  #femmeluxe #luxegal #femmeluxefinery
SNUGGLY WITH MY FLUFFY. Riley literally walks rig SNUGGLY WITH MY FLUFFY.  Riley literally walks right next to me when I have him on his lead - it’s the cutest thing ever! He won’t leave my side. 😭😍  His fur also adds another layer to my lower legs, 🤣 which is needed when temperatures are as brisk as they have been!  After the lovely couple of warm and sunny days we had last week, I’ve had to revert back to a puffer coat, woolly hat and thermal socks. 🥶🧦  And these @karrimorofficial boots are a life-saver for wet and muddy conditions. Honestly, I’ve practically lived in them for all of my lockdown walks!  What are your outdoor fashion staples? Shop this look via the @liketoknow.it app here: http://liketk.it/3ci9l #liketkit #LTKstyletip #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100
Happy Easter from me and Riley! (And the hubby to Happy Easter from me and Riley!  (And the hubby too, I suppose. 😂)  Research shows that having pets has been linked to maintaining better mental health and reducing loneliness during lockdown — and I believe it!  Don’t know what the Davies family would have done without this little floofs bringing us joy each and every day.  Enjoy your lovely long weekend, everyone! 🐣 #cavapoosofig #cavapoosofinstagram
WALK TOWARDS THE LIGHT. Hey guys! Hope you’re h WALK TOWARDS THE LIGHT.  Hey guys! Hope you’re having a good evening. ☺️  Just wanted to write a very honest post about why I haven’t posted much on Instagram recently.  To put it simply, I (like many others) have really struggled in lockdown 3.0. My happiness was at an all-time high following my December wedding day, but the fact that my new husband and I had to separate a few days later to live in different countries and England went straight into lockdown upon my return meant that I then experienced an all-time low.  Sure, we’re used to being in a long-distance with an ocean between us. That said, being apart during a pandemic and not knowing when you’re going to see each other again in the darkest of times somehow feels a lot more traumatic.  Since the day of the worst airport goodbye we’ve had thus far in the four years that we’ve been together, we have been eagerly awaiting spouse visa approval so that we can live together indefinitely in the UK.  After what felt like forever, this finally came through a couple of weeks ago and I’m happy to say that my new husband is now here with me in my parents’ house quarantining in the spare bedroom!  (And a certain someone is running up and down getting all his meals for him. Phew. 🤦🏼‍♀️ 😅)  It’s been a long, bumpy journey but there’s no-one else I’d rather share it with. And now that it doesn’t feel like my right arm is missing and the sun will never shine again, I can hopefully resume posting on my accounts more regularly.  (Not promising anything though given that lockdown makes it super tough for us to get motivated on a daily basis. Right? 💁🏼‍♀️)  The truth is, sometimes you just need to take a social media break, but I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support as always. I am very much looking forward to a new chapter with my husband (eek!) — and a new chapter of my life in general. Now, to quote Captain Sir Tom Moore (RIP), “Tomorrow will be a good day.” ✌🏻 #mentalhealthmatters #breakthestigma
MEETING MY FUTURE HEAD-ON. 💁🏼‍♀️ Okay MEETING MY FUTURE HEAD-ON. 💁🏼‍♀️  Okay, post-lockdown brunches, shopping and drinks with the girls, I’m ready for you now.  Can you hurry up with your roadmap please, Boris? There’s a good lad. 👏🏻  In other news, I’m so happy that the weather is getting warmer, even though I’ll miss how snugly this knee-length puffer is.  What about you? 🌞 #fbloggersuk #fbloggeruk
KING & QUEEN. 👑 You are my today and all of my KING & QUEEN. 👑  You are my today and all of my tomorrows @nathanthuerwachter. I miss you so much!  For all of our fellow long-distance couples, you can still celebrate Valentine’s Day on Sunday even though you’re apart. Check out the latest article on Trendy Tourist that gives you 15 virtual date ideas to amp up the romance. 🌹  (Link in bio!) #elopementwedding #elopementphotography
SNOW BIG DEAL... Leeds is just giving me Milwauke SNOW BIG DEAL...  Leeds is just giving me Milwaukee vibes for the third time in a month. 🤷🏼‍♀️⛄️  Absolutely living for puffer jackets at the moment. Whether belted, knee-length, duvet-style or with a statement hood, you just can’t beat this snuggly yet stylish cover-up for your essential journeys.  Read more about the types of puffer jackets to be seen in this winter season at www.trendytourist.co.uk. (Full link in bio!) ❄️ #pufferjackets #pufferjacket
HAIR NECESSITIES. Looking back at the few photos HAIR NECESSITIES.  Looking back at the few photos I have from my wedding ceremony over a month ago is keeping me going in lockdown 3.0! 💪🏻  Thanks to @casasalonkw for making my messy mop Pinterest-worthy on my special day. 👰‍♀️  This beautiful bejewelled accessory is called a bridal vine and I knew once I saw it that it had to be mine. 😍  What do you think? #bridalvine #weddinghairstyles
YAY FOR REPEAT FASHION. 🙌🏻 You might have n YAY FOR REPEAT FASHION. 🙌🏻  You might have noticed on my feed that I’m a big fan of re-wearing and getting the most out of my clothes.  Sure, fast fashion is affordable and enticing, but not exactly environmentally-friendly (or often ethical).  Instead, I champion sustainable style!  Why? Well:  - It’s better quality
- It’s kind to the planet
- It saves money
- It saves packing space when you’re going on a trip 🧳💪🏻  Read more about how you can be more sustainable with fashion in 2021 by visiting www.trendytourist.co.uk (link in bio). 💕  P.S. Doesn’t Christmas feel like it was ages ago?! #sustainablestyle #sustainableclothing
WEDDING DETAILS. 💁🏼‍♀️ Haven’t got WEDDING DETAILS. 💁🏼‍♀️  Haven’t got all the photos back yet but our ceremony photographer @julia_roy_photos was kind enough to send through a sneak-peek! 😄  The whole look I was going for was “romantic elegance” with some boho touches to tie in with the beach setting.  Hence, the beautiful flowers with blush pink accents and soft ivory draping that juxtaposed the rustic textures of the bamboo arbour, aisle lanterns and co-ordinating seashells.  Thank you @bigdaykw for helping bring my vision to life!  What do you think? I’ll share hair and makeup details next. 👰‍♀️  (Disclaimer: not an ad, just grateful!)
#elopementwedding #elopementphotography
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 Trendy Tourist · Theme by 17th Avenue

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT