Give yourself this test.

I want you to turn your phone off and make sure that it's in arm's reach. Then I want you to count how many times you reach for your phone.

It's actually pretty disturbing.... my count is about 5 - 8 times per session. Is that a lot? Idk.

Reading combats phone addiction by fully engaging both your mind and hands. It's definitely the cure! When I'm reading I'm not on my phone.

I can hear your retorts and objections. They sound like this:

• "So what, there are a bunch of things you can do without your phone."

• "Who cares if you're on your phone?"

• "What if I'm reading a book, on my phone?"

Great points! Yeah, I could take a walk without my phone (which I rarely do btw), I could cook without my phone, watch a movie and leave it in the other room. I agree.

But these activities make it really easy for me to use my phone, right? While walking I could listen to music, a podcast, etc. Here's my question to you: "Are you consciously choosing to be on your phone, THAT MUCH?"

Reading a book takes conscious effort and physically doesn't allow you to scroll. Movies may occupy your attention, but leave your hands free to reach for your phone. Reading doesn't.

So now you're giving you attention to the phone while tricking yourself into thinking you're still watching the movie... even though you're on your phone. It splits your attention and 9/10 the phone wins.

You can't trick yourself with a book. If you opted out of reading to grab your phone you're fully aware of what's going on.

Reading provides a natural break from your phone. To limit screen time, pick a book you want to read, shut off your phone, and give it a go.