If I'm developing and my tests are running I pick up my phone. If my phone is in my peripheral vision I will pick it up at some point to check what's happening on it. If I'm working on a problem and I'm not sure exactly what to do I pick up my phone (to sooth my nerves).
I don't like the habit, but I have it.
I used to pick up my phone to check online dating sites a lot, but now I am less interested in them. So I find myself picking up my phone and not really being sure what to do with it when it is in my hands.
There are two directions I can go in (I think):
1. Stop picking up my phone as much. This means my brain needs to get better at holding that boring period where there are no inputs. (I must be a dopamine addict)
2. Find something more interesting to look at when I pick up my phone (by the morning I will already have checked Reddit and the news, so need something new).
Does anyone have any ideas of interesting apps to look at that could turn this habit into something productive?
Does anyone have any success getting more comfortable "holding" the boredom? (Maybe I should buy a Rubik's cube?!)
* Switch to a basic mobile browser with Javascript turned off by default, like Privacy Browser. Web without JavaScript is probably less addictive.
* Decrease color saturation on your phone, there is maybe a system setting or app for that.
* Put your phone away from eyesight.
* When you are not sure what to do while waiting for something to happen, in the meantime, open HN on your main machine or read a book.
If you are familiar with mindfulness meditation you can build it into your idle time.