This Video Will Save You 12+ Years of Your Life In 11 Minutes

[@bradenhillebrant181]

Zach, just letting you know how much of a positive impact you've had on my life. I'm watching this video on a 10 minute pomodoro break doing deep work, a concept that i was introduced to from your videos and has transformed my ability to focus. Thank you for what you do

[@ZachHighley]

Braden, this comments means a lot to me! Saving it in my special file of nice things people say on my computer. Thank you.

[@ThankfulLearner]

This is no coincidence. Today, I reached out to my best friend about my phone usage, how it affects me, and my academics. My best friend simply suggested that I put my phone in a box and place it somewhere hard to reach. They even took my phone, deleted all my accounts, and now I feel really, really bad. My habit has always been to come home and immediately use my phone. Now, I’m just sitting here, doing nothing. I’ve started writing down what I need to do for school and thinking about journaling again-maybe even playing some Minecraft.

[@mootje333]

It's hard at first. Find things you wanna do with your life, connect with things you (want to) care about. Be bored

[@ZachHighley]

A box is a great idea. I have a big video coming out soon on the importance of boredom and what you are saying make completes sense. There's evidence that when we allow ourselves to be bored it's a great thing and helps with something called "autobiographical planning," or, more simply, planning our lives and future in a way to improve ourselves. Good stuff!! pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21917482/

[@ThankfulLearner]

Thanks for your reply! I can’t wait (well, I can 😉) for your next video. Since limiting my phone use, I’ve managed to clean up 25% of my messy room-a mess that’s been building up for two years. I also had a good talk with my family about what’s been going on. I still feel bad about not using my phone-I really want to-but starting over feels like too much of a hassle. So, I’m focusing on schoolwork and playing some Minecraft instead. I’m also thinking about getting into gardening, but I’m taking it slow. I don’t want to rush because I’m scared of falling back into the same habits. I’ve been there before, and the triggers are always the same. For now, I’m just crawling over thin ice and seeing where it leads. My biggest triggers are definitely boredom and avoiding the “bad bad things” (like uncomfortable work). It’s scary how much a phone can affect me, huh? I know I’m walking the same path as before, but hopefully this time, I can take a few more steps forward. I’ll definitely try your tips-not all at once, of course. Slow progress is the key. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have seen this quick reply, haha!

I've been binge-watching your videos the past few day and I absolutely love the amount of personal experiences and stories you include in your videos!!

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks for watching!! More to come...

[@akashbadugu8681]

It helped, thank you. Felt happy to see you chasing your dreams and helping people like us. Thank you bruh.

[@ZachHighley]

no thank you broski!

[@KennyT_OfMusic]

Bruh singlehandedly destroying the smartphone industry 😆 Will definitely try this ❤️

[@ZachHighley]

that's the goal we got thissss

[@Trucker_2_doctor]

A little trick that can help you use the phone more mindful is to simply put a 6 figure passcode to unlock the phone - instead of instantly unlock it with your face id - hopefully you can remind yourself when you are about to unlock your phone that perhaps you dont have to do this right now? Phenomenal video Zach!

[@ZachHighley]

Interesting, might add it in! But, again, the keeping the phone in one place thing is the only thing that's really helped me.

[@shaunnadeckard1012]

Thank you so much for this video. I needed help with this and just didn’t know where to start. Thank you again!!

[@thejosef225]

I needed to see this.. I fear my 4 young boys growing up and them seeing and remembering me (often) on my phone (way too much). Just deleted ALL my social apps. Thanks. Can't wait to get away for a while and get back to real life. -Joey

[@mayradayful]

I love the thought you gave to the colour palette on this video.

[@Nasmann]

It is a really serious addiction that we should address, but people don't seem to care about this situation. Thanks for the video; I will try that method.

[@Lorenzo16256]

I've been thinking about it for a long time. The video gave me the right push. Deleted all social media, turned off notifications for almost everything.

[@ZachHighley]

Well done!

[@traceygoss864]

Needed this ❤

[@markandrews1219]

Hi Zach, similar to many other people, I have watched a great deal of your study videos. This presentation is the secret ingredient not listed in the winning recipe for success and happiness. You should be promoting this presentation to school children of all ages. The best way to stop a bad habit is to not allow it to become one. Teach people to be accountable for their individual decisions. I often think of why there is so much anxiety, stress, and mental health issues across the board. I believe it's the broadcast storm of unnecessary information that everyone is exposed to these days, which is a huge factor.

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@selvastark7723]

Quality content zach🎉

[@ZachHighley]

Thank youuuuu

[@CraigWJones]

Happy Friday, Zach! (01/31/25) Smart Phone “addiction” is real. This video has pushed me back into the “Flip Phone, low-tech Closet”. Going to start a one year smart phone,😢 detox sabbatical tmr - except when traveling for work. Be well, healthy & joyful. Dominic

[@stefan3876]

I agree with you Zach because I am doing the same and it's WORTH it!!!! I can't believe how much I can do/achieve in 24 hours without having any contact with my phone. It's amazing. And something we all should try to do for our own mental health and happiness 😊 Thanks for the video. Again you nailed it !! ❤❤ I admire the kind of content you bring to us. It's always such valuable stuff. 👍👍

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks for the lovely words!!!

[@mc101]

Love it. Thank you. I completely agree. I've deleted all my social media.... what a releaf.

[@ZachHighley]

The more leaves the better!

[@samemmers7626]

I also removed instagram Snapchat and c but now I’m on news apps and calculator app haha

[@HuongNguyen-wj9zf]

Thank you so much for reminding me what i already know but did not do

[@ZachHighley]

We got thissss

[@UnexplainedKnowledge]

Your videos Doc couldn't have come at a better time. It feels like I'm submerging out of the water by staying calm and allowing my lungs to intake air. I'm at a point in my life where I feel like I've hit a branched-out road - too many options, very little clarity. Like you, my ambitions at times feel bigger than myself and it bends my spine. I face a dilemma where what I want and how I want to get there are at odds. Although I love teaching, I feel like I'd have a bigger impact as doctor - the idea of helping patients is too tempting for me to ignore. However, I've never really had an affinity for science - I never really cared for it. So, although I want my equation to equal four, I don't like the equation to get that outcome. I know I'm being abstract but I hope you get my drift. Things have weighed me down further lately when I saw all my friends going into STEM fields. With an overflowing passion, I simply love writing and teaching, but I feel embarrassed sharing that with others - it's just not a prestigious thing to do. I don't understand why, but what makes me even more conflicted is the fact that I've gotten called smart by too many people than I can count, and it infuriates me because I just don't see what they see and at the same time now have this huge expectation looming over my shoulders. "You could've done something with that brain," dilemma. Although I don't enjoy science that much, I was hoping I could force myself to like it, for the sake of the greater good. I feel stuck, but I'm confident I'll get out of it stronger. On a side note, I know this may seem a bit odd and perhaps misplaced, but I would sincerely invite you to look into Islam. I feel like for folks like us who tend to overthink and overanalyze our current states, we tend to get burnt out and psychotically depressed. We want to change the world and feel on a level that becomes unbearable. Having an anchor in life, I've learned, helps wonderfully with that. Knowing what your purpose in life is, knowing why you were created, and where you are heading are all great questions that need an investigative mind. Never can I ever force you to convert, but it's only a suggestion - an invitation I hand out to people I love. Your thought processes, your worries, your empathetic gentle nature are all qualities I love about you and can relate to on a deeper level on. Anyhow, I just couldn't leave without giving you a recommendation that I feel cured me in a lot of ways. Remember this the next time you look at the stars or feel the conscience inside of you when you raise your arm and wonder how you're able to piece together your own thoughts - God did not create you in vain. Truly, I pray you find your calling and guidance. Warmest regards Doc.

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Thanks man for the videos and advices. Keep going. 🌍🌟

[@ZachHighley]

Always sir, thanks for always being here with me!

[@Earthling108]

Okay, this is great and such. My question is off-topic but Zach is learning to code really worth it? Thanks.

[@dualsabers1325]

Definitely a helpful video. How do you go about keeping up with the news?

[@ZachHighley]

I don't

[@TheCodeBerry]

Hey Zach Happy to hear that you are learning programming 👩🏻‍💻 Can you tell which language you are learning.

[@ZachHighley]

HTML/CSS/Java right now to get the basics of front-end before I dive into some PHP so I can create WP sites all on my own! Then I'll dive into some more stuff

[@TheCodeBerry]

@@ZachHighley any planes for python and please make video on this topic

[@usm1le]

it wouldnt surprise me if addictions overall are a main cause in most depression / bad mental living conditions. and the biggest and most subtle addiction of them all is likely excessive entertainment with technology

[@ZachHighley]

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34246950/

[@MichaelDuby-d7u]

Hello Zach. Thanks again for helpful info. Yes I agree we use our phone to much. When I’m driving I don’t listen to music or use my phone it just quiet and I need that. During the day at school I can use my computer but my students like to ask questions on my phone so I need to have it near. But when I run or get home I need downtime and some quiet. So yes you can limit the time you spend on the phone. People did survive before there were cell phones. Again thanks for good stuff and I will keep looking for more. But if I didn’t use my phone I couldn’t listen to your videos so see they are important. 👍

[@ZachHighley]

Definitely! I still have KZbin, but have deleted absolutely everything else. Recently, also, I'm not using my phone at all on Sundays

[@thehatter1074]

I pretty much use my phone for white noise, it really helps with my adhd. And for some reading.

[@martamota2340]

Such a helpful video! The whole time limit on apps and that sort of hack is not working for me, hopefully I'll eventually get to 1h of screen time per day max 😊

[@victorrodriguez1234]

Thank you Zach 😊

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@nestor-martinez]

Ive been debating looking for an old ipod because i love music but end up getting stuck on my phone when i just want to play some music. But i cant imagine jogging etc without music.

[@hodasamadi7903]

I find music very healing to me. I need Apple Music and KZbin. That’s conducive to my mental well-being. 😊

[@broony8547]

Very helpful.❤ Is the window behind you broken?

[@ZachHighley]

I hope not! Let me check...

[@polibudziaki_pl]

What do you think about KZbin, which can also consume your time on a laptop? Social media can absorb you on a laptop too… What’s your general opinion on KZbin? Do you consider it social media? I see you mainly publish on KZbin-do you have any pro tips on how to use it wisely?

[@robertpoloczek9399]

Question, how can I detele my browsers where I have youtube and facebook but I sometimes I use it to search

[@mohammedismail9896]

what are your thoughts if you're running a business that relies on social media to grow and scale?

[@ZachHighley]

Follow, track, post on software apps and services from your computer

[@tylernerret6658]

Life Goal: Completed

[@ZachHighley]

nice

[@austinfox5268]

It's true I think that we do waste a lot of time on our phones. However, I do use my phone to do anki flashcards during my breaks and lunches at work each day and at other times. During the warmer months of the year, I'm checking my phone multiple times per day to look at the weather forecast and the doppler radar because knowing whether rain is coming or not can be extremely useful information. When I need to look up how to do something quickly, I can pull out my phone and watch a quick video or read a quick article. Navigating using google maps when I'm travelling to a new area or even in an unfamiliar area around me. There are lots of other examples where just using your phone quickly can prove to be extremely useful. But overall though, yea we do waste way too much time on our phones.

[@ZachHighley]

100% that's why I'm not switching to a smart phone or a dumb phone, the iPhone is just too darn amazing. And, again, I'm not like this 100% of the time, just most of the time. When I travel, for example, I use it all the time for navigation and helping me learn the language etc.

[@akiddoo8113]

I don't do social media - never did. But I'm a youtube junkie, After watching this it's time to quit and get life back.

[@ZachHighley]

let's goooooo!! well done

[@katherynsantana6891]

I do need to get off this phone and start living life a little bit more 😅 I could use the 3 hours back daily 😊

[@ZachHighley]

right? imagine what you could be doing!

[@katherynsantana6891]

@ZachHighley I could be doing alot with that extra time 😉 lol

[@yellit1975]

I recommend reading The Dose Effect by TJ Power. It's a good book that will help you understand why you do some of the things you do and provide suggestions to help you.

[@ZachHighley]

I'll check it out!

[@TEAMKasimoff]

Cool concept

[@ZachHighley]

grazieee

[@pranavpanchagnula2389]

Is the point of all of this to reach your personal legend? Are you following the omens? 🤔

[@JovanoStudies]

I agree with this advice but how can I delete tiktok if am a content creator? Im really passioante about yhat and its not just discipline that keeps me going its the novelty and sense of pride, belonging and achievement I get from creating original content for people to see?

[@ZachHighley]

That's a great way to use TikTok - you can still post from your computer; or, if you have the discipline (I don't) only use it for posting and commeting.

[@Spring-k3j]

Love u so much dear doctor ❤.

[@ZachHighley]

Love you!

[@Spring-k3j]

@@ZachHighleyDear doctor I really need study motivation ’cause I’m in my last year at school and then I have to go to college I’m trying hard. And I just want to have some Advices from u , please if u could😢.

[@account2-f7e]

bhaiya. you know a lot. if i want to discussion something with you. about anything. then how should i do it

[@PainReaverX2]

My dream is ti see Zach today !

[@ZachHighley]

my dream is to see you!

[@PainReaverX2]

@@ZachHighley I am right across the border literally lol.

[@dieeinelea]

Pinterest is the solution. You can scroll through, but never longer than 15 minutes and thats ok 😂

[@ZachHighley]

haha I used to love Pinterest

[@dieeinelea]

@ same, but just for 15 minutes a day haha :) Did you spend more than that on pinterest? Btw I really enjoy your videos, they are great, thanks :)

[@SusiSpakowski]

Are there alternatives to use instagram on the laptop? In the meta business managar i can plan posts or comment, but its not so comfortable.

[@ZachHighley]

from chat gpt: - Buffer - Hootsuite - Later - Canva - Sprout

[@patrickkurmann]

As an ambition family video creator with my iPhone (amazing video quality including Apple Log recording) I always struggled with this. A solution could be the creation of different iPhone screens and rules to allow me only video recording. @Zach maybe you have other advice for people that uses the phone for a hobby or even professional purposes.

[@ZachHighley]

Apple recording quality is fantastic!! You can use apps like Roots to block every single app other than camera and phone and then judge your phone usage using screentime - camera usage time.

[@patrickkurmann]

I am going with this, Zach. Thank you. This is an important subject.

[@maxtkachuk7139]

You're not powerless, ask formerly obese people who've learnt to eat normally. It's just a cheap shortcut invented by lame therapists. Just turn off damn notifications.

[@SuperBirath]

chances are you will go back to the old times sooner or later. Not many can master consistency. Make a video in 5 years and if you still in this game without breaks, you have my respect. Until then I see it as a temporary hype.

[@actgms5883]

i'm actually more addicted to my laptop than to my phone

[@Mehraj-l9z]

8:01For me it's like 9hrs extra daily

[@IbrahimZeeshan-g8d]

great advice

[@ZachHighley]

Thank you!

[@goncalofernandes6093]

Watching this on my phone 👍

[@bararasya]

We are in an era where humans are addicted. And machines/AI are learning.

[@ZachHighley]

hundo p

[@Devi-gn2cs]

I genuinely don't understand the whole phone discourse, all these apps are available on desktop. I waste even more time scrolling on my computer while trying to work than I do on my phone because I don't find smartphones comfortable to use. I probably waste at least 2 hours a day in trash browsing through the damn computer

[@bradenburzynski]

Are you still running?

[@ZachHighley]

You know it! Just about 1-2x a week now though because I play soccer 2x a week and yoga 2x and lift 3x and walk 5x

[@BeardoBloggins]

Bonus hard mode: Have ADHD 😂

[@ZachHighley]

Hard mode for sure lol

[@fawwadshafi9555]

How do u communicate with others? I mostly use whatsapp as all business is done over it, it’s tough not to use It. Best wishes from Pakistan 🙏🇵🇰😊

[@ZachHighley]

Whatsapp and imessage from computer, but mostly people know I will only text at a certain time otherwise they call me! Also, I take the complete day Sunday off my phone using the Roots app!

[@tiahssaha286]

You are saying all saving 12 years after quitting (wasting) your 10 years of your medical carrier? Are you on ground?

[@JoseffAbrahamsen]

god bless u

[@ZachHighley]

I didn't sneeze, bless u!

[@Cocktailsintobar]

zach, i agree with wht u r doing..also i want you to be more productive. i have learnt from u. i want to advise u too..read the quran. convert to be a muslim...it will change the way u look at life.

[@73Rival]

🔥

[@ZachHighley]

Let's goooo

[@wyatt_taco4]

Interesting.

[@ZachHighley]

Thanks!

[@Davos_Loonersbee]

Delete KZbin

[@yvonneoshevwe2334]

If you delete them all, it’s like you’re cut off from the world tbh. I don’t think it’s a realistic advice

[@ZachHighley]

For me it's making a decision on **which part** of the world I want to connect with.

[@Karinafing]

You don’t need to keep up with the news ??

[@ZachHighley]

Nope

[@Karinafing]

@@ZachHighley I find this quite challenging, especially at a time like this. As a medical student lead for student orgs advocating for the care of underserved communities without any news (more grassroot level efforts news) how are we to stay up to date. Where is the balance is not being completely oblivious when we have the privilege to help others while also living presently for ourselves. Just wondering if there is a balance

[@Manel-i6q]

You bought too many subscribers