Being phone productive
Posted by: ZKM
13th Apr 2026 09:00am
I wish to be more productive with my time. The simple answer is not ending up on my phone, but sometimes I get stuck and it’s the only thing in reach. For context I’m a new mum and find myself nap trapped in a different room of the house or a spontaneous feed. I may be in a place with zero entertainment, it may be dark or I only have one hand available, so I reach for my phone. I’ve deleted all social media/non essential shopping apps and games on of it. I wish to learn more I have tried things like Duolingo, but it’s still heavily gamified so I want something else that’s easy to pick up/out down and doesn’t feel like I’m wasting my life. What are your suggestions?
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Comments 3
AdelaideM
Congrats on your baby!
I would recommend getting something like the kindle app. You can download the app on your phone, on a tablet or on a laptop, so that even if you're nap trapped and you only have one hand available, you can still be reading.
You could even keep a tablet with only the kindle app and maybe audible installed that you keep by your nursery chair, but the app will synch across devices so that you can pick up where you left off.
Many libraries use something like Libby or Borrowbox, which are online libraries that you can borrow from, which is often free.
You could also subscribe to something like Digital Theatre which has lot's of plays from the UK, so that you're watching or engaging with classic literature and plays rather than scrolling or playing games.
I totally understand that sometimes your phone is the only thing on hand, but there are so many ways to engage with meaningful content on the internet, hopefully these tips can help you find something you both enjoy and learn from!
abarnes
OK, you’re a new mum, I’m going to conclude you’re sleep deprived and focussed on the needs of your newborn.
You want to be more productive ie learn something but not via your phone.
Firstly, congratulations on the birth of your baby. 😊
I recommend that you start by making sure YOU are getting enough sleep. If the child has yet to find it’s sleep pattern, you need to power nap whenever he/she is sleeping. Once you’ve looked after your wellbeing;
Decide on exactly what it is that you want to learn, based on why you want to learn it. Do you want to learn a language because you plan to visit another country? Do you want to learn chess to play with your partner? Or do you want to learn a computer skill, that would be useful, when you return to work? Once you’ve decided on what and why;
Decide on the how. Do you want to learn something that you can teach yourself or do you want to it to be formal, so you receive accreditation or a certificate (for employment purposes). If it’s informal then go to the self-improvement section of your local bookstore. If it’s formal, then consider what is available for remote learning ie through education institutions online.
Anyway, I hope I’ve helped, although I fear you already know this. All the best. 😊
kidwithsmurf
Back in the day, phones and technology, especially the internet was less prevalent than it is today. This is why going old school is the way to go. I say this because back in the day you'd teach yourself how to do things without the internet or apps like Duolingo. You'd go to the library, pick up a book or two, read them and teach yourself. There are plenty of books you can get that can teach you a new skill. Plus, the best thing with a book is you can pick it up and put it down at your own leisure, learning pace and without technology. Also, if you don't like reading physical books, you can buy a kindle and get e-books instead of physical books. There are numerous e-books you can buy or get online to help teach you a new skill etc.
In addition, another easy way to be more productive and learn/teach yourself a new skill would be Audiobooks if you do not like reading physical books. These can be easily listened to whilst caring for your child's needs or even doing housework etc. Thus, killing two birds with one stone.
If neither of those options are viable for you, you could use videos. Yes, this uses your phone but it's worth it. There are numerous video training websites. For ease, you could use YouTube, search how to and your topic. Then you can watch at your own pace or even just listen at your own pace whilst doing other tasks. If you want more formalized training you could use Udemy. It is a website where you can pick a category and find a lecturer who will teach you the topic as though you are going to Tafe or University etc. The benefit of Udemy is, you can watch at your own pace, there are a mix of free or paid and you get to pick whatever interests you. There is something for everyone!
So all this said, there is numerous ways you can learn a skill or something new without having to use a gamified app, pay big money or go to a set online or school like setting everyday. Above is just a few suggestions.
Also, you could teach yourself from the above suggested platforms how to knit, sew or do art projects. This is a productive way to keep busy without technology and feels like you are achieving something. You can always pick up and put these down at any time and it gives you a sense you've created/achieved something. For example you could knit a sweater for your child, paint or draw a picture to hang up around your house or even make something to sell for some side money. The best thing once you have got past the initial learning phase, you won't need your phone to do these and you'll feel productive with a sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, once your child is self sufficient, the easiest way to not use technology to teach yourself would be to go outside. Go outside in the sense you join community groups in your area. There are lots of groups around the place where like minded people get together and do a task or teach each other a new skill. These can be seen on local community boards around your town or just by talking to people at local places. This is further down the track and isn't as easy to pick up and put down as other options, but for the social aspect it's worth the time!