One in three adults have tried to end their 'addiction' to their phones, poll finds
One in three adults in the UK has attempted a digital detox to curb their phone addiction, using methods such as keeping their phone in a separate room, setting a daily time limit, and deleting social media apps
A survey of 2,000 adults has found that 41% admit to checking their phones excessively, with 54% spending three hours or more on their devices daily.
However, 19% of respondents feel that this is an unfulfilling use of their time, leading 35% to try to reduce their screen time or quit altogether.
To achieve this, many are turning to "quiet hobbies" such as reading (41%), walking (35%), socialising with friends (24%), and gardening (21%), while some have even taken up playing board games.
Kellie Wyles from DFS, which commissioned the research, commented to say: "There is certainly more to life than our phones and being more present in the moment is key for improving mental health.
"We live in an era where FOMO is a common part of society, so people are keen to get news and updates as and when they happen – but this can cause them to miss out on valuable downtime."
The study also revealed that 14% of those who feel they spend too much time on their phones have been doing so for over 11 years. However, since cutting down on their screen time, 71% have noticed an improvement in their mental health.
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Better sleep (47%), feeling more present (45%), and being calmer (42%) are some of the benefits Brits have experienced since putting their mobiles aside. Interestingly, 18% have even found they make fewer mistakes since reducing their screen time.
Despite these benefits, 30% confessed they would be most panicked about losing their mobile, over a wallet/purse (23%) and house keys (18%). The biggest worry was about banking apps (65%).
46% of Brits feel life was better before smartphones.
(Image: Getty )
It also emerged that nearly half (46%) of Brits feel life was better before smartphones. To combat their phone addictions, 13% have introduced digital-free zones in their homes, with another 39% claiming they haven't yet but would consider introducing one in the future.
Creating a calming environment is also a priority, with over half (54%) opting for comfortable furniture, 35% choosing calming neutral tones, 29% incorporating more houseplants, and 28% enhancing their spaces with mood lighting.
Meanwhile, one in four of those polled, via OnePoll, have a dedicated space for 'quiet hobbies', with the most common being a reading nook (48%), closely followed by meditation areas (37%) and a table for board games or puzzles (34%).
DFS partnered with television star Lisa Snowdon, who hit the streets of London to chat with the public about their habits for unwinding without the use of screens, perched comfortably on a plush sofa.
The video interviews conducted by Lisa unveiled a trend toward a digital detox, with participants sharing strategies like keeping mobile devices in separate rooms and designating areas in the house that are free from digital distractions.
Mirroring the findings, Lisa discovered many individuals are rediscovering the joy of simple activities such as strolls, cooking, and quality time with family and friends to ground themselves in the now and limit screen exposure.
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Kellie Wyles commented to say: "Quiet hobbies are what keeps us grounded in the moment and appreciating the simple things in life. We can often get carried away with what is going on elsewhere and neglect the beauty of simply taking time out.
"These moments of calm are often best enjoyed in the comfort of our homes so it's worth investing in creating a space that encourages relaxation, creativity and connection."
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