Reducing Screen Time: How the Stolp Helped Me Reclaim Focus and Creativity
- Judith Clarkson
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Back in 2007, two big things happened: Apple launched the first iPhone, and I started my business, Life Sorted. Life Sorted promised to help clients achieve their goals whilst the iPhone promised connection, convenience, and endless possibilities, but what no one predicted was just how much we'd all end up using our smartphones.
Fast forward to today, and the statistics are staggering. The average person spends 3 - 4 hours per day on their phone - that adds up to roughly 20 years of our lives. Just imagine what we could do in those two decades instead of staring at a screen.
Even more eye-opening? 9 out of 10 people want to reduce their screen time but don’t know how. It’s no wonder - our brains are constantly drawn to our devices. On average, we check our phones 150 times a day, roughly every 6 minutes. And every time we switch tasks, it takes 23 minutes to fully regain focus. It's easy to see why our attention is constantly pulled in different directions.
My own struggle with screen time
Despite being a KonMari consultant and Professional Organiser, I found myself caught in the same cycle - unintentionally picking up my phone throughout the day. I’d reach for it absentmindedly, scroll without realising, and then wonder where the time had gone. It wasn’t just the hours lost; it was the mental clutter my phone created.
My scepticism about the Stolp
Then I heard about the Stolp, a simple box designed to help people disconnect from their phones. At first, I was sceptical - how could something as basic as putting my phone in a box make a real difference? But when I finally tried it, I realised the power of physically removing my phone from reach. The simple act of putting it away freed my brain from the constant pull of notifications and distractions.
The unexpected benefits of using the Stolp
I felt my mind relax - no longer preoccupied with checking my phone. I became more present in conversations, more productive in my work, and, interestingly, more creative. In fact, this very blog is a direct result of using the Stolp! I hadn’t written a blog since 25th January 2024. Every time I thought about writing one, I’d get distracted - emails, social media, messages. But with my phone safely out of reach, I was able to sit down, focus, and write without interruption.
Simple ways to reduce screen time and reclaim your focus
If you’re looking to reclaim some of that lost time, here are a few practical steps:
1. Measure your screen time
Awareness is the first step to change. Check how much time you’re actually spending on your phone each day:
iPhone: Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Android: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
You might be shocked at what you see.
2. Try using a Stolp to break the habit
A Stolp is a great way to create intentional phone-free moments. It has two modes: one where it is completely closed, blocking all sounds and notifications, and another where it is partially closed, allowing you to stay connected for important incoming calls while still reducing distractions. Simply placing your phone inside helps you resist the temptation to check it, giving you back focus and mental space.
If you’d like to try it for yourself, you can order your Stolp here. You can use my discount code LIFESORTED for €15 off your purchase.
3. Set tech-free times
Try implementing phone-free zones, like:
During meals
The first and last hour of your day
When spending time with loved ones
During focused work sessions
4. Reduce unnecessary notifications
Every ‘ping’ is a distraction. Turn off notifications for apps that don’t genuinely need your attention.
Imagine what you could do with 20 extra years
Phones are incredible tools, but they shouldn’t run our lives. If you take back even an hour a day, that’s over 15 extra days a year - time you could use to read, exercise, learn a new skill, or simply be more present in your own life.
For me, the Stolp has been a game-changer. If you’ve been struggling with unintentional phone use, why not try it for yourself? You might be surprised at how much mental space you reclaim.
Are you aware of your daily screen time? Have you tried reducing it? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments.
Are you ready to sort your home, sort your life, and achieve your goals?
I'm Judith, a Professional Organiser and KonMari Consultant based in Richmond, London. I help my clients sort their home and life to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Would you like to learn more about how I can help you organise your home for long-lasting change? I offer a free 30-minute consultation on Zoom to discuss your organising goals and how I can help.