Phone Break: Less Screen Time 4+

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 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.

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!