A few months ago, I shared how I cut my screen time from 8h 55m to just 1h 25m. It’s been 5 months, so I figured it’s time for an update!

But first, here’s the link to my original post for those who missed it: I finally cut my screen time from 8 hours and 55 minutes to 1 hour and 28 minutes (Proof at the end)

Now, let me spill the tea on how cutting my screen time has seriously changed my life:

  1. More Time for the Good Stuff: Less time scrolling = more time doing things I actually love, like swimming, reading, studying, or just hanging out with my favorite people. Oh, and the focus? Unreal. I can now get through tasks without a million distractions pulling me away.

  2. Bye-Bye, FOMO: Turning off constant notifications and ditching the mindless scrolling felt SO freeing. I’m no longer glued to what everyone else is doing, and honestly? I’m way happier just living in the moment and doing my own thing.

  3. Sleep = Leveled Up: Cutting out phone time at night was a game-changer. I wake up feeling rested (finally!) and ready to tackle the day. My bedtime routine now feels like a cozy ritual instead of a late-night doom-scroll marathon.

  4. Actually Being Present: Whether I’m on a walk, vibing to music, watching anime, or spending time with my loved ones, I’m all in. No more multitasking with my phone in one hand and half-paying attention. My focus has gone from meh to next level—I can actually sit and read or study for hours now.

  5. Me and My Phone = Healthy Boundaries: My phone? It’s a tool now, not a time-suck. I only use it intentionally, and that little shift has made my days feel so much more productive and meaningful. Bonus: My anxiety and stress have plummeted.

  6. Stronger Connections: I’ve gotten so much closer to the people around me. Conversations feel deeper, and those phone-free moments (especially before bed) remind me how special undistracted time really is.

  7. SO Much Extra Time: Cutting my screen time has freed up so many hours of my life. I feel so much lighter, knowing I don’t have to carry my phone everywhere. Morning walks with my sister? Just vibes. No distractions, just enjoying the moment.

Real Talk:
The past few months haven’t been all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve been struggling with some pretty tough depression, and during sleepless nights, my phone became a way to cope and quiet my dark thoughts. But the good news? I’ve slowly been getting back into my healthy sleep routine over the past few weeks. Progress is progress.

P.S. Last time, a lot of you commented and DMed me asking for the article link because I couldn’t share it in the post. So here it is: A Practical Guide to Overcoming Phone Addiction

If you’re tired of battling the “screen time monster,” this article has actionable tips to help you reclaim your time, no matter how addicted you are. Seriously, it changed my life.

Good luck to everyone trying to cut their screen time. You got this, my friend! 💪

Lastly, I want to thank my girlfriend for her unwavering support throughout this journey and Discipulus for writing that transformative article that made a huge impact on my life.

  • Libb@jlai.luEnglish
    2·
    7 days ago

    Congrats, and a warm welcome to the FOMO-less club and to the omfg-had-no-idea-I-had-so-much-time-to-do-stuff club ;)

    Imho, the most important tool/help anyone can get is to find other but as exciting stuff to do then to stare a the screen (phone or otherwise). For me, it was taking long walks (it also helped a lot put me back into batter physical shape), hobbies (like painting, scale models, music,…), or activities one enjoys and that don’t require the use of a screen. Cooking, writing, sketching, DIY, craft,…

    The second most important tool would be to not hate yourself if/when you will fail. Try not to fail, obviously, but when it happens instead of hate and shame and anger (any impression this could be based on personal experience would be a pure 100% coincidence, this goes without saying) try to understand how and why you failed. So, you will be better prepared next time.

    Edit like you mentioned, the support of your SO is a huge help too. My spouse was amazing in helping me get over my own addictions (not phone related, but addictions nonetheless).