Not-so-smart phone behaviour

Is your tech taking too much from you? Look out for these telltale signs:

Do you look at your phone constantly when with loved ones?

Are you shopping online while your child is telling you about their day? Or chatting to internet buddies while having dinner with friends? ‘Set parameters, such as keeping your phone out of reach and setting times to engage with social media,’ says therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Is checking your phone the first thing you do when you wake up?

If so, you may be starting the day on a negative note with news, work or wondering why your post didn’t get many likes. Spend the first moments of the day doing joyful things, such as stretching or journalling.

Do you use your phone in queues or when waiting for someone?

Our phones have become our go-to distraction – but if you’re always staring at a screen, you’re reducing your human interactions and not being fully present.

Do you document all you do with posts, pictures or messages?

‘Creating the perfect picture takes time, effort and energy when you could be enjoying the experience,’ says Tawwab.

Do you feel you have to respond to messages immediately?

You probably receive loads of emails, messages and notifications daily and if you act on them all straight away, you’ll never get anything done. If you’re worried that others will feel ignored, let them know what to expect from you. They may be relieved that they don’t have to reply instantly either!

Do you pore over content that makes you feel bad?

Be mindful of who you follow and why. ‘Choose not to follow someone if you envy them or their life makes you feel dissatisfied with yours,’ advises Tawwab.

Are you led astray online?

Tawwab caters her online experience to what she wants. ‘If I hope to save, I don’t follow fashion influencers who inspire me to spend. If I’m interested in vegan meals, I follow those accounts,’ she says. ‘In essence, you become who you follow, what you watch and the websites you visit.’