How to reduce smartphone usage and become more productive at work? [Tips outside of our app.]

The greatest invention of our time – the smartphone – has also become one of the biggest consumers of our energy and attention.

Being focused is now an art.

People spend around 4 hours and 30 minutes per day on their smartphones on average.

Even a phone lying face-down on the table can reduce a child’s ability to learn by up to 21%, because part of their attention stays mentally tied to possible notifications [Source 1, Source 2]

That’s one of the reasons why we launched a minimalist phone / digital-detox app for iPhone today – and we appreciate your support.

Anyway, here are a few things you can already do to reduce your smartphone usage:

1. Keep your phone out of sight

Not just on silent, ideally in another room. Even its presence on your desk reduces focus.

2. Turn off non-essential notifications

If something is truly important, people will call you. The rest is just algorithmic noise.

3. Make your phone visually boring

Use grayscale mode, remove widgets, and keep only essential apps. Your phone should work for you, not against you.

4. Work in focused time blocks

30 – 60 minutes of deep work without your phone, followed by a short break.

5. Replace the habit, ideally make your hands busy (but not with a phone) :)

When you feel the urge to grab your phone, stand up, drink water, or write something down.

6. No blue light at least 2 hours before bedtime

Blue light suppresses the body's release of melatonin. How do you want your brain to work optimally without proper sleep?

There are many steps you can take to help you be productive at work, just make sure you don't become a slave to technology.

How do you keep yourself away from technology in this world that requires you to be constantly online?

Honestly, I am not a good example for digital detox. I barely spend time on my smartphone, but because of work, I spend at least 12 hours at the desktop.

But I am pretty sure that many people are able to scroll feed 4 hours per day "just for fun." And I believe, that time could be used more meaningfully, e.g. learn new language or go out with your friends.