Limiting Smartphone Use to Improve Focus

Insight from Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling Melissa DiMartino, Ph.D., was featured in a Real Simple story about habits that improve focus. DiMartino, who has researched the impact of smartphones on college students’ mindfulness and mental health, recommended taking breaks from your phone for set periods, beginning with breaks lasting 30 minutes to an hour. She also suggested adjusting device settings to eliminate unnecessary distractions throughout the day.

“When you have your phone with you, turning notifications off or using apps that restrict your usage can help to create limits,” said DiMartino. “Update your smartphone settings to ‘do not disturb’ between certain hours, which may help ease the anxiety that can come with a constant stream of text messages, notifications, and other alerts.”

The article also appeared on other news sites, including Yahoo! (U.S.) and Yahoo!Life (Australia).
DiMartino Shares Tips to Limit Smartphone Use and Improve Focus