Smartphones are not a luxury anymore; they’ve become a part of our essential life today. It not only holds conversations with friends and family but also important data shared at work. Thanks to technology, it also can act as a digital wallet for you, so if you don’t have cash, you can easily pay through several apps installed on the phone. While we know the pros, let’s look at some smartphone habits that should be stopped at the earliest.

Regularly checking the phone
Many of us are guilty of checking our phone. Nothing to do? Check your phone. Waiting for someone? Check your phone. Been 5 mins since you touched the phone? Check your phone. Browsing through the phone can be addictive and can also fuel anxious behavior. Being controlled by notifications on your smartphone will keep you away from enjoying the present and pleasant moments around you. This obsession often leads to ignoring people in social gatherings while completely engrossed in your phone. Give yourself some off-screen time and try to build discipline around it.

Social media binge
Most people are on social media these days, and while it is a great tool to stay trendy and have a creative outlet, it can also be addictive for some people. According to some studies, social media also causes some anxiety and paranoia, especially amongst teenagers and young adults. One should try to filter out any negative content. Social media can be used for more constructive purposes rather than only looking for validation.

Scrolling through apps aimlessly
Have you noticed yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media apps even though you know you’re not retaining any of the information that is being thrown at you? Night-time scrolling is especially troublesome because it hinders the sleep cycle for many. It is also advised that our smartphones or other electronic devices should not be near our beds as they are known to emit harmful blue light. If keeping your device completely away from you is not possible, at least keep it away on the side table and choose not to engage in any online activity an hour before you plan to go to bed. Let your mind rest.

Unhygienic screen
While we are now accustomed to using sanitizer on our hands, we forget that we also need to make sure our phone screens are clean. We are constantly tapping on it, getting it close to our face and ear, and it may become a hotbed of germs we want to avoid.