One Week Into Less Screen Time: What I’ve Learned

April Habit Chat!

At the start of April, I committed to reducing my screen time. I didn’t know exactly what my ideal limit should be, but I knew I wanted it to “hurt” a little—to feel like a real shift. My goal was to spend no more than 1 hour and 25 minutes per day on Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, Pinterest and TikTok combined.

One week in, my screen time is down 32%. WHATTTTT!!!!! Honestly, this number surprises me. I thought it would be around 15-20% or so, but dang. This goes to show that I had a really bad habit of just picking my phone up and “checking” it. Truly I am blown away by how I feel just one week in. I have been sleeping better, I have been choosing other ways to spend my time.

I’m already noticing small but powerful shifts in my habits. There is something about setting a goal, and really being committed to see it though. Not that it’s about “perfection”, it’s not, but it’s about progress. The progress I’ve seen this week only motivates me to keep going.

What’s Helping Me Keep Screen Time Down

1. I don’t check my phone just to check.
Knowing I have a set limit is breaking the impulse to pick up my phone without a reason. I’m catching those little moments where I would have scrolled out of boredom or habit—and choosing something else instead. ie: texting a friend, spending 5 minutes journaling, connecting with a family member, reading a chapter of a book.

2. I create before I consume.
I’ve made a rule that I don’t get on social media until I’m ready to create something first—whether that’s a post, a story, or an encouraging DM to someone. It’s a small shift, but it’s keeping me intentional! This means if I have nothing I feel like I want to “share”, then I don’t log on. No posting just to post, it’s intentional with my “why” of social media.

3. No social media before 8 AM or after 9 PM.
This one has been a game-changer. Without morning scrolling, I start my day with a clearer mind. And at night, I’m actually unwinding instead of overstimulating my brain before bed. I’ve actually been doing no phone at all between these hours, including texting. Yes, I’ve missed out on some good convos in my group chats, but it’s helped me to see that I actually don’t need to be the first to respond. It’s helping keep my ego in check :)

4. I’m choosing better ways to deal with emotions.
Instead of numbing out with my phone, I’ve been turning to other things—walking, journaling, reading a novel, texting a friend, or even just lying down and resting. It’s amazing how much more space I have when I don’t fill every gap with scrolling.

The Most Surprising Part? It Feels Freeing, Not Restrictive.

I thought limiting my time would feel frustrating, but so far, it’s been the opposite. I’m still having conversations in DMs, still sharing what I love—but I’m not obsessing over engagement or views. I’m creating because I want to, not because I feel pressure to perform. And realizing that I have no control over the outcome? That’s been the most freeing part of all.

One week in, I’m already seeing the benefits of being more present and intentional with my time. I’m still figuring out what my ideal limit is, but for now, I’m happy to keep experimenting, refining, and—most importantly—living more offline.

Are you working on cutting back screen time too? I’d love to hear what’s helping you, what’s been hard, and how it’s changing your days. Drop a comment or reply—let’s cheer each other on!📣📣📣