This was the biggest improvement I did to improve my "phone time".
I realized I was only kidding myself if the actual goal was zero screen time. Being unproductive and just killing time by yourself isn't a bad thing, but if you spend that time reading something substantial instead of news and Twitter beefs you don't hate yourself afterwards.
I made a rule with my phone - only read content that was created > 1 year ago. This immediately rules out Facebook, Twitter, and (usually) WashPost/NYT. I am left with academic papers and books. (Podcasts and audiobooks are ok.)
Sometimes more of a guideline than a rule. I make exceptions for new works from authors I enjoy, or longform recommended web articles.
I just use Apple Books and download epubs or buy Books from their store. I’m not too picky to be honest, I just need the words on the screen and I’m good to go
This was the biggest improvement I did to improve my "phone time".
I realized I was only kidding myself if the actual goal was zero screen time. Being unproductive and just killing time by yourself isn't a bad thing, but if you spend that time reading something substantial instead of news and Twitter beefs you don't hate yourself afterwards.