Yes, your phone can help you create good habits. If you’re smart, it probably already is doing that! For example, you’re reading this article! That’s a good habit of information gathering right there.
It used to be that everyone was writing about breaking the phone habit. Now our smartphones are indelible parts of our lives, and it’s here to stay, and the benefits outweigh the perceived downsides of using your phone.
Are you using your phone to its best potential? That means it’s making you a better person, aside from making your life easier and better!
Triggers for wellness
Reminder setups for paying bills are good. What about reminders for wellness habits?
Try setting up your phone to give you a reminder for wellness - like pausing to take deep breaths or drinking a glass of water - at a certain hour, or set it up according to a location change, like when you arrive at your office.
Maybe you want to get into the habit of getting ready for bed at a certain hour. Set that up across your devices. TV turns off, the lights dim (if you have smart lights), and maybe your phone plays a certain playlist to accompany you while you do your bedtime routine of teeth brushing and face washing.
Use stands and holders to place your phone out of reach of snoozing these reminders or alarms. Make yourself get up, and since you’re on your feet, do the healthy thing you were supposed to do!
Progress tracking
Logging apps help you see your progress and get a pat on the back for how far you’ve come.
Make a habit of recording your food and exercise. This habit is also great because it can become a trigger in a chain of good habits: for example, you might make your entries before getting ready for bed, or you might log your food before working out.
These triggers are important in forming habits.
Guidance for your new habits
Want to cook better and healthier? Use your phone to find the recipes on YouTube. Workouts are there, too, on YouTube or apps. Want to keep your hands busy so you won’t be reaching for snacks while watching TV? Crochet and knitting how-to videos are on your phone, too.
If you think getting frustrated at doing things wrong hinders you from healthy habits, you can get all the information you need from your phone. There’s not even an excuse for not knowing how to use a drill anymore! Every tiny detail of DIY can be retrieved from your phone!
It’s a delicious time to live. We can get so much help from technology. Apps can help you meditate, do yoga, shop for healthy ingredients, or train your butt from the couch to a 5k run!
Find your tribe
Weight loss? There’s a group for that. Plant mom? There’s a group for that.
Social media has long been demonized but it’s actually very helpful in finding you the support you need for your goals. Even if none of your family and friends share the same passion, or you happen to prefer support from strangers rather than your loved ones (who might judge or meddle), you can find your tribe on social media.
Doing it alone on sheer grit and commitment isn’t enough. You need people who can hold you accountable and inspire you with their own progress and commitment.
And your sweet spot
Netflix running in the background might help you get to inbox zero. Or use quality headphones, AirPods or speakers to help bring you to that adrenaline level for your workouts through music or a good audiobook.
Certain podcasts can keep your fire burning and keep you plodding toward your goals.
The key is finding something to distract or help you through the boring or painful parts of your daily life and your pursuit of good habits. In the first place, many apps keep you from getting bored with routine. For example, workout apps and subscriptions change things up or give you plenty of variations to follow.
Turn the guilty pleasures into rewards
Your smartphone does come with some rabbit holes and it can be challenging to stay away from them. You might already be using a time tracker tool that gives you insight on how much time you spend on apps.
And you might be horrified you really spend that much time on Instagram or TikTok.
But that’s fine. Instead of quitting cold turkey, turn your guilty pleasures into rewards. This is habit-forming and you’ll soon seek to do the first condition first so you can get to your reward.
For example, a fifteen-minute workout means you get to scroll through Instagram for five minutes. You’ll soon associate Instagram with workouts.
Finished the day’s scheduled chores? Reward yourself with content from your favorite TikTok or Reddit people.
Your phone really is your best friend. You just need to maximize its potential as a good friend. And since it’s your best friend, put it in the best cases that will protect it and put a smile on your face!