Struggling with screen addiction? Netflix, games, social media seem to have taken a toll on your productive time? Wondering how to break-free from the cycle of mindless scrolling?

Smartphones and screen time are changing the way we think, but even more concerning, they are hijacking our heart. Remember, the phone was made for you and not vice versa. Here are 5 simple tips to break free from screen addiction:

1.Track your Screen Time

A good way to fight your screen time consumption is to start by tracking the total time you spend with your gadgets every day. Once you get your consumption breakup (Apple or android – all have this feature), be intentional in reducing the time spent on apps that steal most of your time. It’s a good habit to uninstall these apps for extended periods, especially if they are networking or binge watching apps. You can even hide these apps from your home screen so it remains out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Another trick is to mute your screen’s colors which will make pics, video, apps, less tempting to click.

If for some reason you cannot uninstall this app, then try and moderate or lower its consumption or keep a fixed time to check it. Oh yes, you don’t have to check your emails first thing in the morning unless you hold the portfolio of the president of your country .

2. Get an Accountability Partner

The Bible says, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. (Ecc 4: 9,10).

It’s good to team up with an accountability partner who could be your spiritual mentor, leader or a mature friend of the same sex. This friend should be someone who can push you to accomplish your set task and not pacify your effort to overcome screen addiction. You can share your screen time status, your struggles, and victory stories with each other and encourage one another from the Word of God.

If you don’t have anyone, you could also connect to a Jesus loving community like SOAR GIRLS that can help build you, even as you humble yourself and open up about your struggles.

3. Allocate “God and You” time

Be disciplined about allocating a fixed time for spending with the Word of God and in prayer, especially first thing in the morning. This is one habit that will help you break free from all your addictions.

When Jesus walked on the earth, he would often withdraw to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16).

Build a Secret place this season. A secret place is “Your time alone” with God. The devil is happy as long as you are “alone with your gadgets” so he can fill your mind with the filth of the world and bring thoughts to you that tell you that you are not good enough, capable enough and loved enough. But he is mortally scared when you are “alone with God”. Because that’s when you start becoming like Jesus and reflecting Him through your life.

Also lay hold of a physical Bible instead of depending on digital Bibles which are so distractive, and start dwelling on its passages. Remember the Bible is not just a book, but it is God’s Word and is meant to be read slowly, deeply, thoughtfully, repeatedly.

4. Give Digital Detox a Try

Digital Detox refers to a period of time where you refrain from using digital devices such as smart phones, tabs, computer screens and social media sites. Its time you give those fidgety fingers some rest! It can help you to take your gaze away from temporary pleasures and help you realign your life around what really matters.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18)

You can even create gadget free zones by limiting their usage in certain areas in your house. Avoid taking your gadgets with you on dining table, bathrooms or on your bed. Intentionally keep these areas gadget-free and full of good and godly conversations.

The word you need to constantly remind yourself is “RESIST”. Every time you get tempted to break your momentum, pick up the Word of God. Lay hold of your physical Bible and start reading it aloud. Make it personal by underlining and circling scriptures that are touching your heart.

5. Pick an Outdoor Hobby or Activity

Find out a hobby or activity that you can indulge in without using screens. How about trying your hands at gardening, painting, calligraphy, sketching, poetry, cooking etc? The list is endless.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what skill or activity you can pick up. It’s amazing how God can open up your understanding through these experiences and make you more sensitive to His voice.

Did this post help you? Which of the above tips you are keen to try out in your effort to reduce your screen time and break free from screen addiction? Anything else you can add that worked for you?

XOXO
Author Kim & Shiney

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