Don't get discouraged; it's not an easy task. And it isn't easy because the vast majority of the applications we use—social media, messaging apps, video games, video-on-demand platforms, and even our smartphones—have been created using persuasive design strategies.

Some tricks might be:

• Make it "difficult" to use. For example, don't keep your phone nearby; you can leave it in another room when you need a quiet space.
• Make the phone lock and require you to manually enter the password.
• Install programs that prevent you from accessing it at certain times.
• Turn off your mobile phone completely at a specific time.
• And if you want even more, drag the messaging app off your home screen and into a folder alongside your other notification apps. Then delete it during weekends or holidays (don't worry, it reinstalls in minutes).
• Turn off notifications: no sounds, no pop-up messages, and definitely no vibration. No more of that "little red number" over the app logo.