Phone Break: Less Screen Time

I struggle with too much screen time and always try the same things… Most commonly deleting apps, turning off notifications and screen time limits. But I would continue to struggle with the urge to pull my phone out of my pocket for every little thing. I obviously use my phone for a lot of necessary things but once the phone is out and I check a necessity (which probably isn’t really that important anyways) then I end up on less productive apps wasting time. This app has come at the problem in a unique new way that really worked for me. Getting the phone out of my pocket and plugged in away from me takes away that compulsion to get on my phone. When I am on a scheduled break I find it a lot easier to focus on my kids and be really present during family time. At first it honestly felt really weird and off putting being away from my phone (which is crazy that we are that attached!) But the pros are worth it and when you get back to your phone you realize that you’re not really missing anything important. Would recommend.

I hate how addicted everyone is to there phone, and I’ve found physical separation is the only thing that actually works, which is what this app helps with.

The Phone Break app is the most effective method for less screen time. The other apps I’ve used like Opal and Clearspace just made it more annoying to get to use my phone, but eventually I would always switch off the app and go back to old habits. With the Phone Break app, I actually create space from my phone, which has led to a more productive, healthy, and balanced lifestyle. Give this app a shot and see how your mental health improves.

As a licensed mental health therapist, I see first hand every day the impact that screen addiction and overuse of social media have on us as individuals and a society. Very few are successful in using our smart phones in moderation, but this simple tool is a big step in the right direction because it *limits opportunity.* We easily find ways around time limits, etc, but the very simple, old-school solution of plugging your phone in physically away from you makes being fully present an option again. The app is simple and still in the early stages, but it does what it needs to do and is definitely working for a good cause. Our phones own too many of us. Break that.

This app has been really beneficial for me. I’ve tried numerous times to spend less time on my phone using screen time limits & haven’t found success - I see notifications pop up, find another app to scroll, etc. Instead of being able find something to get sucked into, Phone Break requires physical distance from my device, making it out of sight out of mind. If I receive a notification, I don’t know about it until I go check, which encourages me to spend less unproductive time on it & more intentional & focused time on other things such as giving my kids my full attention. I have been using the app for a while now, & have already seen a change in my desire towards space from my device. It’s refreshing & empowering & I love the uniqueness of how this app got me here. I look forward to setting new goals & continuing to improve!

I’ve loved using this app! As a freelancer who WFH it’s been great having the distance from phone during work hours. I’ve definitely increased my productivity after downloading the app. I’ve tried other apps and setting screen limits, but the physical distance part has helped so much. I like the flexibility in creating my goals - ex. I have #productivity goal from 1pm-5pm to be off my phone for an hour, so if I have to use my phone for work I can during that time, but then return it to my charger and keep on working. The notifications have been super helpful to remind me of my goals and puts me back on track. I enjoy looking at my streaks, the calendar to see how many days I’ve reached my goal, and my total hours each week. Definitely am recommending the app to friends and other professionals who want distance from their phones.

I have tried many different methods to curb my screen time. iOS’s features are too easy to ignore. Apps that limit screen time are too easy to quit. The only thing that works for me is to get the phone out of my reach for the times of day that matter most to me. I have two kids under 2 and my time with them is precious. I use this app for a break between 5:30 and 7:30 each weekday. This helps me stay off my phone when I’m spending time with them all the way up until bed time. Love it. Looking forward to more features. Would love to share progress with friends or have the app lock down my apps when I’m in a goal and plugged in.

I was one of the alpha testers for this app, and have already seen such a change in the relationship I have with my phone after using it for a few weeks. I started out setting pretty modest goals, but each week I find myself either adding a new goal or extending one of my existing ones. The goals are set up to be flexible and adapt to your day to day life while still helping you achieve essential time away from your phone. The whole app, from the set up page to the notifications to the weekly report, is designed to remind you WHY you want time away from your phone, which is why it’s so motivating. I think the success of this app is in its methodology (you need physical distance from your phone to break your habits—I can’t tell you how many times I reached in my pocket for my phone to find it not there) and in how personalized you can make it to fit your lifestyle and needs. Obviously as an alpha tester I’m more invested in this app than most. But I would not have written a review if I didn’t feel like this app has the most potential to break my phone habits and—hopefully—yours too.