Most of us keep our smartphones close at hand to keep ourselves connected, productive and entertained. While there is no disputing how essential mobile technology is managing our home, social and work lives, many people feel a distinct sense of digital overload.
The pings and constant vibrations from app notifications, the temptation to scroll mindlessly through social media feeds, and the inclination to take photos when you’d rather just enjoy the moment, it can all become overwhelming and distracting, especially if you are trying to relax or enjoy family time over the festive season.
TCL suggests some ways to ensure digital balance and wellbeing while still getting the most from your phone.
1. Use Android’s focus tools to set gentle limits
Your Android smartphone will work with you in your goal of getting the right digital balance. The Digital Wellbeing dashboard lets you track how you are spending your time on your phone, including which apps you use the most and which send the most notifications. You can use Digital Wellbeing to set limits on the time you spend on certain apps to control digital overload.
2. Pause notifications
One of the best ways to reduce digital distraction is to turn off non-essential notifications when you are enjoying the beach or chilling with your family. Using Do Not Disturb, notification categories, or scheduled quiet hours helps create clearer separation between personal downtime and digital activity. The Focus mode in Android Digital Wellbeing lets you select apps to pause temporarily.
3. Find balance together
During family visits or group activities, simple rules, such as no devices at the table or one quick check-in per hour, help everyone stay present. If you’re looking forward to some digital-free family time, Digital Wellbeing can help. Family Link lets you connect a child’s device to your own so that you can set rules. You can create screen time limits, manage the apps and websites that your child uses, and even lock a child’s device remotely.
4. Take some time for digital detox
December is a perfect time to reset your relationship with digital technology. It is an opportunity to think about using it more intentionally to create space for wellness, focus, and balance. Brief breaks, like phone-free mealtimes and an afternoon with the device in another room, can be mentally refreshing.
5. Use hardware that supports comfortable viewing
Hardware like TCL’s NXTPAPER technology can make screen time feel more natural and relieve eyestrain, especially during long sessions. NXTPAPER 3 looks a lot like e-ink. It’s easy on your eyes, but is fully colourised and suitable for watching video and playing games.
6. Use night modes when you are getting ready for bed
Late-evening scrolling often affects sleep. Android’s Bedtime Mode combines greyscale, reduced interruptions and dimmed brightness to support a calmer routine. It is a simple step that helps you wind down instead of stimulating your mind right before sleep.
7. Use your smartphone to support your detox and mindfulness journey There are many apps for Android that can help you to manage your digital detox as well as practice mindfulness over the festive season:
· Headspace: Explore science-backed exercises that help you care for your mind and boost mental health with meditation.
· Calm: App crammed with guided meditation, sleep stories, soundscapes, breathwork and stretching exercises.
· DetoxLock: Detox Lock is a powerful and simple app blocker to go cold turkey from distractions.
· Digital Detox: Decide your own digital use rules for self-accountability and block out digital noise.
8. Review your home screen
A cluttered home screen can encourage unnecessary tapping and scrolling. Remove distracting apps and those you seldom move from the first screen to reduce impulse use and stay focused.
8. Use voice controls for quick tasks
Voice commands can help you send messages, set reminders or search for information without going into apps that might take your attention longer than necessary.
9. Use offline modes
Downloading playlists, maps or reading material before travelling helps you stay entertained and do essential tasks without getting bombarded with updates.
About TCL Mobile
TCL Mobile specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of smartphones, tablets and connected devices. On a mission to deliver 5G for all, TCL Mobile helps its customers ‘Inspire Greatness’ in their lives through industry leading technology and solutions.
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