Low battery anxiety: What it is and how to deal with it

Published by: 11 February 2024, 16:43 pm IST

Smartphones are handy devices meant to make communication and life easier. These also double up as fitness trackers. But smartphone addiction is not healthy for anyone. If you Phone Battery Notice battery levels dropping and feel anxiety in the pit of your stomach, you may be suffering from phone battery anxiety or low battery anxiety.

Health Shots consulted psychiatrist Dr Shivangini Singh to understand what low battery anxiety is and how to deal with it.

What is low battery concern?

Low battery anxiety refers to the extreme panic and fear you get when the battery in your smartphone runs out and hence, your life is governed by the needs of your phone rather than your own needs. The scientific term used for this is nomophobia or “no mobile phone phobia” which is used to describe the mental state when people fear being separated from mobile phone connectivity.

Common symptoms of low battery anxiety

Symptoms of low battery anxiety usually appear as soon as battery levels begin to drop below 50 percent. Some common features are:

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1. Feeling anxious or anxious
2. Feeling disconnected and helpless when the battery is low
3. Having a fear of missing out on important updates (FOMO).
4. Checking battery levels frequently
5. Constantly searching for charging points that limit your mobility and productivity

Also Read: Anxiety vs Stress: 5 Ways to Tell the Difference

How to deal with low battery anxiety?

Anxiety is nothing but a form of threat that our mind fears. No worry can be solved and here are some ways to deal with low battery anxiety.

1. Try to reduce phone dependence

We all rely on our phones even for small things like jotting down notes or setting reminders, it seems hard to fathom a life without a phone. Here are some ways to distract yourself with better things to reduce phone dependence:

• Participate more in outdoor activities and face-to-face communication
• Use screen timing apps for controlled use
• When not working, take a complete break from phone use and engage in other recreational media such as television, music or reading.

2. Optimizing phone usage patterns

To minimize battery drain, users can optimize their phone usage patterns. Some functions they don’t use will be disabled. Additionally, lower the screen brightness and use fewer apps.

3. Reliance on reliable charging solutions

Carrying a wired phone charger with you isn’t always easy. Therefore, consumers can invest in other reliable charging solutions. Consumers can invest money on more reliable charging solutions such as vehicle chargers or portable power banks.

4. Advanced planning

Newer phones always have longer battery life. However, as our phone gets older, it dies more often. “If users know their phone’s battery life is low, they can plan to carry a portable charger. They can charge their phone even before leaving the house.