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Smartphone Health

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Finding Balance in a Hyperconnected World

Smartphones are powerful tools, they keep us informed, entertained, connected, and organised. But without healthy boundaries, they can also contribute to stress, poor sleep, reduced attention spans and feelings of disconnection from the people and world around us. At Analogue April, we’re not anti-tech. We’re pro-balance.

 

This guide offers practical, research-informed suggestions on how to use your phone more intentionally. Based on common usage categories (like social media, entertainment, and productivity), it helps you take stock of where your screen time is going—and where you might want to draw a line. Whether you’re preparing for a full digital detox this April or just curious about your daily habits, use these guidelines to reconnect with what matters, on and off your screen.

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Healthy Habits

Suggested Daily Totals (Non-work use)

These are general guidelines for adults and teenagers, not prescriptive rules, and are meant to support better mental wellbeing, focus, and rest. Adjust based on personal/work context.

Category
Daily Limit
Other Apps
15–30 mins
Gaming
30–45 mins
Entertainment
60 mins
Daily Limit
30–60 mins

Other Apps

15–30 mins

Healthy Daily Screen Time Limits Using Smartphone Categories

Social Networking /  Social (Social & Communication)

Includes: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, Threads

Suggested Limit: 30–60 mins per day Why: Limiting social apps reduces passive consumption and comparison-driven scrolling, helping with focus and mental health. Limiting time helps reduce passive scrolling and promotes more intentional use.

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Games

Includes: All games, from casual (Candy Crush) to immersive (Call of Duty: Mobile), puzzle, strategy, multiplayer, etc.

Suggested Limit: 30–45 mins per day Why: Gaming can support relaxation and cognitive stimulation, but too much can lead to isolation, dopamine burnout, or sleep disruption.

Productivity

Includes: Notes, Calendar, Reminders, Notion, Trello Suggested

Limit: No limit (as needed)

Why: These apps support organisation and work—generally healthy screen time unless they become procrastination tools.

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Other / Uncategorised Apps

Includes: Custom/utility apps that don’t fall under main categories Suggested Limit: Case by case

Tip: Review these weekly in Screen Time settings to spot unexpected time sinks.

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Entertainment /   Media & Video)

Includes: YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Prime Video

Suggested Limit: 1 hour per day (max) Why: While music/podcasts can be healthy in moderation, binge-watching can displace physical activity, sleep, and in-person socialising. Prioritise quality over quantity.

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Reading & Reference / Education / News)

Includes: Kindle, News apps, Wikipedia, Medium

Suggested Limit: No limit unless usage disrupts sleep

Why: Reading is beneficial, but doomscrolling news can increase anxiety. Use Focus Mode at night if needed.

Health & Fitness

Includes: Apple Health, Headspace, meditation apps, Strava Suggested Limit: No limit

Why: These apps encourage movement and wellbeing. Usage here is generally positive

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Healthy Tips

Aim for < 2.5 hours/day with no screen use :

  • 60 mins before bed

  • 30 mins after waking, 

  • During meals

1 Screen-Free Day per Week: Try a full Sunday without non-essential screens.

  • Use Wind Down Mode: Grey out your phone and reduce blue light 1 hour before bed

  • Limit Notifications: Turn off non-essential app alerts to reduce distractions

  • App Timers: Set daily limits for time-draining apps directly in Digital Wellbeing

  • Focus Mode: Use this to block distracting apps during work, study, or social time

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