New year, same old resolution. Students insist that in 2026, they will end their doom scrolling once and for all. But screen time limits are easy to dismiss, and five more minutes quickly becomes another hour. Here are three easy habits to pick up in order to finally put the phone down. 

1. Try a new hobby! If in need of the mindless escape that scrolling provides, turn to something that doesn’t involve blue light. Coloring books are a great starting point; there’s no artistic talent needed, simply focus on filling up the empty spaces. Scrapbooking is another captivating activity. When yearning to craft an aesthetically perfect profile, print out the pictures. Attach paper mementos and focus on the sentimental joy instead of the temporary satisfaction of a like or comment.
2. Make your bed a no-phone zone. Instead of dozing off to Netflix, try a book or magazine instead. For those who find books to be boring, even better! Let the words blur and eyelids grow heavy. Then, when waking up in the morning, let the notifications be. Reach for a gratitude journal, make the bed or even hit snooze for the 15 minutes that would otherwise be spent on screens.
3. Put the phone away during study sessions–not just out of sight, but out of the room. Quite literally, bury it. Stuff it in a kitchen drawer or in a hall closet cubby. In need of a study break? Play with a pet, take a nap or make a snack. Seek out activities that are actually recharging, and soon study sessions will become much more productive.

Breaking the phone addiction cycle is certainly easier said than done. Try implementing these small changes in 2026 to establish a better-for-you routine.