If your first instinct is to reach for your Smartphone to find out what that means, the answer is probably yes! That’s because nomophobia is the fear of being without your mobile phone.
The capabilities of mobile phones have increased from simply making and receiving calls, to managing almost every aspect of your life. Mobile phones are now used for everything from taking photos and playing games to reading books and scheduling your diary. By relying on your phone so heavily, you may feel panic at the thought of being without it. In fact, researchers have shown that mobile phone users are so dependent on their Smartphones that 42% take their phone to the beach while on holiday and 20% admit to using their phone to check emails while in bed.
So what can you do about your Smartphone addiction?
- Limit your overall daily usage.
- Think about how and why you use your phone – are there other ways to do the same thing which might reduce your dependency?.
- Switch off your own phone during mealtimes – enjoy your food and converse with those present rather than texting those elsewhere.
- Have one day a week when you don’t use your phone at all.
Become comfortable with the fact that a phone call or text doesn’t need instant attention. What’s the worst that would happen if you let a call go? Chances are they will ring you back or you can catch up with them later. Losing your dependency on your mobile means you control it, rather than it controlling you.
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