Has anyone else seen the Brick take over their social media? It definitely has taken over mine. Is it controversial to say I don’t get it? Is it just another marketing tactic to encourage overconsumption? Granted, I am the cheapest girl alive, so maybe I just don’t like the idea of spending money on something I could do myself. For those of you who don’t know what the Brick is, it is a little device that locks the apps you choose for yourself. It is a customizable and tangible thing that makes it difficult to get on your phone and scroll unless you physically tap your phone against it.
Personally, I do my best to stay off my phone because of the way it makes me feel, which I think a lot of college girls can relate to. I am here to encourage you with other ways and my personal habits that I use to get off your phone… without the Brick. One habit I try my best to implement is not scrolling before I go to bed or when I wake up. Maybe this is because I grew up in a household that did not allow phones with us while we slept, or maybe it is because I notice how differently I sleep when I scroll before bed versus when I do not. I plug my phone in, text who I need to and it is off for the night. Instead, I read (boring, I know), but seriously. I will say every once in a while on the weekends, I treat myself and scroll in the mornings- but never before bed. The more I choose a different alternative rather than scrolling before bed, the less I crave the action. Because there is no way, in any universe, that a bright electronic light a couple of inches from your face can help you sleep well!
I keep my phone on Do Not Disturb more often than I should, but it does keep me off of my phone! I do notice myself opening fewer random apps to scroll if I am not seeing those notifications 24/7. This also helps when studying, driving, cleaning and so on! I try to be as present as I can. Think of it as people versus your phone. For example, if I am driving with my mom and I am in the passenger seat, I am not on my phone. Typically, if I am in any passenger seat, I am doing anything but scrolling. I am not sure if I was ever taught this or if I just recognized this as a way to be respectful. Practicing this habit can increase connection with your people, as well as provide you with an opportunity to just get off your phone!
Sometimes, watching students on campus, you can quickly notice that some literally just don’t look up from their phones. I get sending a quick text, but scrolling while you walk just seems dangerous. I personally will just trip and fall on my face, so I don’t even have that option. But I find it discouraging how, when given a split second, everyone will open their phone to the next distraction. The next habit I encourage would be to not scroll while commuting to class- however that looks. I personally take the bus and the PRT, so when on those trips I just look up. I try my best not to scroll and enjoy the view (clichĂ©, I know).Â
All this to say, next time you are thinking about buying something that helps you to stay off your phone, try these habits and save your money!