Why Your Phone Isn’t the Problem—But How You Use It Might Be

There’s this funny thing we do—we blame our phones for everything. “I’m on it too much,” we say, “I waste so much time.” I’ve said it too. But then I realized: it’s not really the phone. It’s how I’ve been using it.

At its core, your smartphone is just a tool. Like a car. You can use a car to get to your dream destination—or to drive in circles endlessly. The same goes for your phone. I used to open mine to check one message and suddenly, 45 minutes later, I was watching someone decorate a cake I’d never bake. Sound familiar?

So I did a little phone audit. I deleted one app I always felt crummy after using. I moved my most-used, most-helpful apps—calendar, notes, a podcast app—to the home screen. I disabled notifications for things that didn’t matter. Suddenly, my phone felt quieter, less needy. It started working for me instead of against me.

And guess what? I started using it to support my routines. I track my water intake, journal with voice notes while walking, and use meditation apps when I’m stressed. I even downloaded a gratitude app that pings me at 8 p.m. to jot down something good from the day. These little shifts made a big difference.

Phones aren’t evil. They’re mirrors. They reflect what we feed them. If we fill them with helpful, inspiring tools, they become our allies. It’s not about cutting back completely. It’s about curating a digital space that feels good to enter.

So instead of ditching your phone, reshape it. Remove the clutter. Prioritize the apps that serve you. Use widgets. Change the wallpaper to something that grounds you. Your phone is your modern-day Swiss Army knife—just make sure it’s equipped for the life you want.