Most of us can’t do without a smartphone. The gadget helps us communicate easily, find the information we’re looking for, shop for our favorite products, and so much more. On the downside, we spend hours glued to our screens. This can take a toll on our personal lives, affect physical and mental health, and even cut short the life of our devices. Here are some harmful smartphone habits to break immediately. Scrolling before bedtime Endless scrolling on social media before bedtime makes it hard to fall asleep at night, leading to restlessness and tiredness the next day. Screens emit a blue light that affects melatonin production in the brain, the hormone that controls a person’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Without melatonin, it can be difficult to fall or stay asleep. Experts advise keeping the phone away for at least an hour before bedtime. You can instead read a book or listen to a podcast to relax your mind.  Always keeping the phone with you If you keep your phone in your pocket, you’ll be constantly tempted to pull it out and browse. Not to mention, you’ll be on the alert for notifications. Therefore it’s best to carry it in your purse or backpack.