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Mindfulness Eases Smartphone Addiction
17 Dec
Summary
- Mindfulness reduces problematic smartphone use, a UBC study found.
- Awareness of emotions helps interrupt mindless phone scrolling.
- Problematic smartphone use is not yet an official addiction diagnosis.
New research from UBC Okanagan indicates that practicing mindfulness can significantly decrease problematic smartphone usage. The study, which synthesized findings from over 38,000 participants, highlights a robust association between an individual's ability to be present and aware, and a healthier relationship with their phone.
This heightened self-awareness, a core component of mindfulness, allows individuals to recognize their emotions and thoughts, thereby interrupting habitual phone checking. It also aids in reducing the compulsive use of smartphones as a coping mechanism for stress, acknowledging that unpleasant emotions are a normal part of the human experience.
While problematic smartphone use is not formally classified as an addiction, its impact on daily life is substantial, affecting academic performance, sleep patterns, and familial harmony. Experts suggest employing mindfulness techniques, like the "STOP" method, to manage concerns about excessive screen time.
