Do you silence your phone for important tasks? It might not help as much as you think. Research shows the mere presence of your smartphone can impair your focus and performance.
A study involving 800 participants revealed that the farther their phones were, the better they scored on cognitive tests. Those more dependent on their devices experienced an even stronger effect.
Silencing it, turning the screen down, or powering it off won't fully eliminate the distraction—its visibility alone splits your attention.
For better results, stash your phone in a bag, leave it in another room, or skip bringing it altogether. This evidence-based strategy can sharpen your mental edge.