
What was the most challenging thing to change?
Laureline: The most difficult change for me was breaking the habit of spending hours on YouTube at night. I did this because I used to be afraid of being alone with my thoughts, which often led me to dwell on dark and unpleasant things.
"I used to be afraid of being alone with my thoughts, which often led me to dwell on dark and unpleasant things."
Watching YouTube videos became a way to distract myself from those thoughts. However, this habit proved to be more harmful than helpful. It left me feeling perpetually tired the next day, as I'd stay up late watching videos, accumulating sleep debt that began to affect my overall well-being. Overcoming this habit was a considerable challenge. I eventually found a healthy balance by using a session that automatically blocks most of my apps in the evening, and I restricted it to just three times a week.
What has been the most beneficial change?
Laureline: The most significant change for me has been a complete reassessment of the balance between my personal life and work life. I recognized that my work had permeated my personal time to an unhealthy extent, resulting in a constant connection to work apps, even during vacations. I needed to establish clear boundaries and actively disconnect from work in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
To accomplish this, I set up two sessions within the Jomo app. The first is a "Work" session, designed to reduce distractions while I'm working. This session effectively blocks all my social media access but allows me to use YouTube, as I enjoy listening to lo-fi music while working.
The second session is called "Home." It begins at 7 PM and enforces a complete block on all work-related apps, with no allowances for breaks. This structured approach has greatly improved my work-life balance and allowed me to enjoy my personal time more fully.

Any advice for persons aiming to reduce their screen time?
Laureline: Absolutely. First and foremost, it's essential not to categorize everything you do on your phone as inherently negative. The situation isn't that simple. It's important to take a step back and assess your smartphone activities, eliminating those that genuinely have a negative impact. When you're prepared to make a change, don't rush it. Start small and gradually intensify the challenge. Dare to take that step-by-step approach.
📌 Credits
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