Assi Azar Limits Phone Use to Combat Anxiety
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Television presenter Assi Azar is publicly sharing his strategy for managing anxiety by drastically reducing his mobile phone usage. He has implemented new rules, such as keeping his phone aside during social interactions and putting it away by 8 p.m., reporting reduced stress and improved presence with his family. This approach is supported by research linking excessive smartphone use to mental and physical health issues, including anxiety and decreased cognitive function. Azar has also collaborated on mental health awareness projects.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Assi Azar is limiting his phone use to combat anxiety and improve mental well-being.
- He now keeps his phone aside during social interactions and puts it away by 8 p.m.
- Azar reports reduced stress and increased quality time with his children.
- Research links continuous smartphone scrolling to anxiety, poor sleep, and memory issues.
- A Hungarian study found intensive smartphone use negatively impacts young adults' health.
- Azar is also involved in mental health awareness projects with Israeli health organizations.
Television presenter Assi Azar is intensifying his personal and public campaign against anxiety by focusing on a major contributor to emotional overload in the modern era: excessive mobile phone use. On his Instagram account, "DOING MY BEST," which states in its bio "Tools that help me live with anxiety," Azar shared a series of candid posts about his decision to dramatically alter his relationship with his phone screen. Azar, who uses the platform to share his personal journey to help others with similar issues, emphasized that this is a critical step for his mental peace.
In recent posts, Azar detailed his new daily rules: "I decided when I am with people, the phone is put aside." He explained that while driving or in meetings, the phone stays in his bag, and after 8 p.m., it is moved to his study until morning. Azar reported immediate positive changes, including more quality time and full presence with his children, warmer conversations with neighbors in the elevator, and a significant reduction in stress. "The phone steals our attention even when it's off, and every beep is a small interruption," Azar noted, stressing that less scrolling means less anxiety.
Azar's step is supported by scientific research. A new study from Semmelweis University in Hungary, involving young adults aged 18-35, found that continuous smartphone scrolling causes severe mental and physical problems. Researchers observed that one-third of participants who used their smartphones intensively for 4-5 hours daily for content consumption suffered from decreased memory and concentration, poor sleep quality, increased anxiety, and constant fear of missing out (FOMO). The study also highlighted "Text Neck," a physical strain on the neck from looking down at the screen.
Azar's daily efforts on his page and these insights align with public service. In a Q&A with Maariv, Azar also addressed health anxiety and medication, revealing, "When anxiety is untreated, it is very frightening. So yes, I also feared I was going crazy." He explained that proper treatment helps identify the anxiety cycle and regain control. Concurrently, Azar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Government Advertising Office, Avi Ohayon, and Matan Dror, initiated the audiovisual project "Everything That Helps," featuring four musical pieces to raise mental health awareness and provide practical tools to the public.
Against the backdrop of rising anxiety and emotional strain in recent years, Azar's decision to put his phone aside offers the Israeli public a particularly practical and accessible tool. Health experts and researchers agree that alongside limiting screen time and reducing notifications, habit management, creating intentional breaks, and open dialogue are the most critical tools for reducing mental load.
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