The iPhone has undoubtedly revolutionised our everyday lives. But have you ever thought about how much time you spend on your phone and why? Here are some of the best apps available right now to help you take a quick digital detox.
Reducing the app overload
Apple is leading the way by giving customers the chance to make informed decisions about their screen time with its latest software update. This includes a special (and much-needed) Screen Time section.
The handy addition to iOS 12 helps you get a better understanding of exactly how you’re spending your time on your iPhone.
Located within Settings, Screen Time displays information on the apps you use the most and how long you spend on each. It also sends you weekly reports with an overview of your usage.
Wonder how many times you obsessively check for any new text messages? You can now see more detailed insights.
These include stats on the number of times you pick up your device throughout the day, how many notifications you get, and which apps are sending the most notifications, allowing you to take control of your screen time.
Snap back to reality
If you want to cut down on smartphone distractions, you can set up Downtime. When this is turned on, notifications are muted and only phone calls and any other apps that you specifically choose will be available.
Similarly, if you find you’re spending too much time on social media or games, you can set a limit. A few minutes before your limit is about to run out, you’ll get the option to extend the limit or ignore altogether.
When you need some Space
We know it can be difficult to shut down access to your apps completely. That’s where the app Space comes in. When you tap to open an app, Space will pop up and ask you to take a deep breath.
This gives you a brief moment of zen before the app fully loads and you’re reunited with your screen.
Live life in the Moment
While Apple’s own Screen Time feature can show you how much time you spend on your phone, Moment takes this one step further.
For a small additional cost, the premium version of the app can offer guided coaching sessions. You can set goals such as simplifying your home screen, putting your phone down for 30 minutes a day, or even changing your wake up routine.
All in all, Moment helps you manage your balance between the real and digital world and being immersed in your phone.
Stay focused and plant a Forest
Are you an obsessive social media scroller? Unable to give all your attention to the job at hand? Well there’s now an app just for you!
The app Forest has ‘gamified’ getting you off the phone. Every time you put down the iPhone the app will plant a digital seed. The longer you leave your phone unattended the more the seed will grow into a tree.
Give in to temptation and your tree will start to wither. This sense of responsibility for your little tree will help you to make better use of your time outside of staring at your phone screen. It’s like a reverse Tamagotchi!
Chris Costello is director of Sync.
