How to Recognize and Break a Cell Phone Addiction

Instructions 

1. • 1
     1. Pay attention to what family and friends are saying. Do they complain about your constant cell phone use?

     * Last year I walked out of a lunch date with a person who would not get off his cell phone. After attempting several times to get him to realize that constantly answering the phone and talking while I was sitting in front of him was inconsiderate, I got up from the table, told him I was going and wished him a good lunch. Not that I was there to teach him a lesson, but I'm sure it was a lunch he will always remember.
     * Do you have any idea how difficult it is to consciously drive and talk on the cell phone at the same time? Get on line and start reading the studies. Putting down the phone is not just an opportunity to spend more quality time with people you love and care about; it is an opportunity to stay alive.
     * I personally do not drive as a passenger with a person who is constantly on the phone. I like my life and want to stay in one piece as long as possible.
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     2. Ask yourself: Do you feel anxious when you forget your phone or can't get to a call?

     * Do you feel disconnected from the world when you leave your phone at home?
     * Can you drive from point A to point B without having a phone with you?
     * Are you one of those people who call back phone numbers you see on your caller ID even when you don't know who called you, so afraid you are going to miss one call? I hate to say it, but that's really bad!!pathetic.
   • 3
     3. Ask yourself: Do you answer your phone at meals and social times? This is bad manners and unattractive.

     * When I go out with someone, I leave my phone turned off or in the car.
     * If I am expecting an important call, I say so beforehand and let the other person know that is the only reason I would answer the phone.
     * Spending time with another person is about connecting. If you want to talk on the phone, stay home.
   • 4
     4. Be honest: Does a ringing phone make you feel important? Do you talk just to talk?

     * Be honest. Do you feel important every time your phone rings?
     * It is not hard to amass a group of people who have nothing to do all day but phone and text.
     * Remember - constant chatter is not the same as a life of substance. Actually, it is quite the opposite.
   • 5
     5. Are you ever able to turn your phone off? Try it for one day.

     * Want to know if you have a problem? Turn the phone off and leave it at home. How do you feel?
     * Be aware of your anxiety, how out of sorts you feel.
     * These feelings are wrecking havoc in your life whether or not you are aware of them.