Bach Flower Advice

What to do about nomophobia?

What to do about nomophobia


What exactly is nomophobia?

Nomophobia means ‘no-mobile-phone phobia’. It’s the fear of being without your mobile. The term itself was invented in 2010, by YouGov, a UK-based research organization. It is prevalent among teenagers and young people who never switch off their phones and want to be contactable at all times. YouGov found that 53% of UK men and 47% of women were nomophobic.


Similar research in the USA found that 65% of people sleep with their phones (the percentage is higher among college students) and 34% of respondents had answered the phone while being intimate with a partner.

Why do people become nomophobic?

Everyone wants to feel connected. Nowadays the internet and access to Wi-Fi or a network wherever we go, means that we can always be in touch with people. We simple become addicted to this, and in an insecure world, being connected means receiving approval from others. We like to feel approved of.

Nomophobia can be very serious

While we are being a little light hearted here, you should be aware that nomophobia can actually be very serious. If your addiction to your phone has persisted over a long period of time and is affecting your health – perhaps your ability to sleep, or your everyday life – you communicate better with friends via your mobile than face to face for example, then it really is time to wean yourself off it or seek professional help.

Treatments

Depending on the severity of your nomophobia you may be able to access a variety of treatments. Exposure therapy for example, involves a therapist slowly exposing a person to the idea of being without their phone. This is then extended to being without the phone in reality for short periods of time, and building this up.

A cognitive behavioural therapist might work on overcoming the fear of being disconnected or without your mobile, while other specialists might recommend relaxation techniques to deal with your emotional and physical symptoms.

6 Tips to wean yourself off your phone

  1. Take control of your life. You should be the master not the servant of all technology. Your laptop and your phone should make your life easier, but not take over.
  2. Turn it off when it really isn’t needed
  3. Go a day a week without any technology
  4. Make sure you are engaging in face to face contact with people – and having real conversations
  5. Make a deal that you have equal amounts of screen time and personal contact
  6. Look at good sleeping habits and bar electronics from your bedroom. You’ll sleep so much better!

Created by Tom Vermeersch ()

Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.

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What to do about nomophobia?

What to do about nomophobia?
What to do about nomophobia


What exactly is nomophobia?

Nomophobia means ‘no-mobile-phone phobia’. It’s the fear of being without your mobile. The term itself was invented in 2010, by YouGov, a UK-based research organization. It is prevalent among teenagers and young people who never switch off their phones and want to be contactable at all times. YouGov found that 53% of UK men and 47% of women were nomophobic.


Similar research in the USA found that 65% of people sleep with their phones (the percentage is higher among college students) and 34% of respondents had answered the phone while being intimate with a partner.

Why do people become nomophobic?

Everyone wants to feel connected. Nowadays the internet and access to Wi-Fi or a network wherever we go, means that we can always be in touch with people. We simple become addicted to this, and in an insecure world, being connected means receiving approval from others. We like to feel approved of.

Nomophobia can be very serious

While we are being a little light hearted here, you should be aware that nomophobia can actually be very serious. If your addiction to your phone has persisted over a long period of time and is affecting your health – perhaps your ability to sleep, or your everyday life – you communicate better with friends via your mobile than face to face for example, then it really is time to wean yourself off it or seek professional help.

Treatments

Depending on the severity of your nomophobia you may be able to access a variety of treatments. Exposure therapy for example, involves a therapist slowly exposing a person to the idea of being without their phone. This is then extended to being without the phone in reality for short periods of time, and building this up.

A cognitive behavioural therapist might work on overcoming the fear of being disconnected or without your mobile, while other specialists might recommend relaxation techniques to deal with your emotional and physical symptoms.

6 Tips to wean yourself off your phone

  1. Take control of your life. You should be the master not the servant of all technology. Your laptop and your phone should make your life easier, but not take over.
  2. Turn it off when it really isn’t needed
  3. Go a day a week without any technology
  4. Make sure you are engaging in face to face contact with people – and having real conversations
  5. Make a deal that you have equal amounts of screen time and personal contact
  6. Look at good sleeping habits and bar electronics from your bedroom. You’ll sleep so much better!

Marie Pure

Other articles


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Why a life without stress and obstacles is unrewarding

Stress can be both good and bad; it’s up to you how you look at it. But too much stress can be dangerous. Read more about stress in this article!

Read the complete article

Do We Label Too Fast

Do We Label Too Fast?

Nowadays, it can sometimes seem almost everyone has a mental health issue or learning disorder. But, are we too quick to label people, or is it that we are more aware of the problems? This article looks at some of the issues surrounding these sensitive questions.

Read the complete article

Simple tips to not be afraid of the future

Simple tips to not be afraid of the future

No one knows what the future holds, so don't waste time and energy worrying about it. Read our tips and find out how to stop being afraid of what might never happen.

Read the complete article

Are you stuck in a rut

Are you stuck in a rut?

Sometimes it’s hard to notice when we've become trapped in familiar routines. Take our quiz to find out if you’re stuck in a rut and what you can do about it.

Read the complete article

Do you think too much Or too little

Do you think too much? Or too little?

Feel like you overthink too much? Having a hard time making decisions? Or feel like you don’t consider your options enough? Find out how to strike a balance.

Read the complete article

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We simply can’t avoid noticing the changes all around us. Autumn is here... Autumn is also called a transitional season. Slowly and steadily, it prepares us for the transition...

Read the complete article

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What to do when the spark is fading

Why do you feel butterflies at the start of a new romance, and how can you keep the flame burning in a long term relationship as the spark starts to fade?

Read the complete article

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What are your aims in life? Do you plan to be rich, to be a top footballer, to be a good parent, or to become Prime Minister? However efficiently you plan your life, sooner or later you are going to come up against obstacles to achieving your goals.

Read the complete article

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It's natural to compare our own lives with those of others - weighing up the pros and cons of situations helps us make decisions. But there can be a downside when you find you're constantly comparing yourself with others, envying their seemingly perfect lives and wondering why they are luckier, more prosperous, and better looking than you.

Read the complete article

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Feel like everyone takes you for granted? Whether it's working late to prepare a presentation or cooking a special birthday meal for your partner, it's nice to be appreciated when you've made an extra effort. And if it seems as if people don't notice, you might feel as if no one values you.

Read the complete article

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