Can a simple device really change your relationship with your phone?
If you’ve ever wished your phone would stop draining hours from your day, you aren’t alone. I recently put the Brick, a €70 physical device marketed to curb endless scrolling, to the test. The premise is simple: remove or disrupt the habitual pull of apps by adding a tangible barrier between you and your screen. After several weeks, the results were not only noticeable but transformative in how I approach my digital life.
What the Brick is and how it works
The Brick is a compact, purpose-built gadget that sits on your desk or bedside table. Instead of tapping your phone to access notifications, you interact with a physical object designed to foster restraint. The idea is to break the automatic cadence of unlocking your device, opening apps, and scrolling feeds. For many, the act of reaching for the phone becomes tedious enough to pause curiosity in favor of mundane, non-digital tasks.
At its core, the Brick acknowledges a simple truth: digital urges are often driven by ease. If the barrier to access is physical and slightly inconvenient, it nudges you toward intentional use rather than mindless scrolling. It doesn’t block apps, ban notifications, or require an overhaul of your entire digital routine. Instead, it introduces a consistent, tactile reminder of your longer-term goals—whether that’s more focus, better sleep, or improved mood.
The everyday impact: a day-by-day snapshot
In the first week, I noticed small but meaningful shifts. I paused more often before tapping the unlock button. The habit of immediately reaching for the phone began to feel like a choice rather than a reflex. My mornings, previously dominated by hurried scrolling, started with a cup of coffee and a quick read of the news, before any device interaction. Even during commutes or lunch breaks, I found myself choosing real-world interactions or offline activities over mobile indulgence.
By week two, the Brick’s effect deepened. I became conscious of how often I turned to my screen for a quick dopamine hit—checking a notification, refreshing a feed, or chasing a meme. The barrier introduced by the device created a pause, which often led to a more purposeful use of my phone: messages I actually needed to answer, scheduling, or research for a task I was tackling rather than procrastinating.
The positive changes beyond screen time
Reduced screen time isn’t just about fewer minutes on a device. It translates into better sleep, improved focus, and more time for meaningful activities. In my case, evenings felt calmer. I slept with fewer late-night notifications pinging, which contributed to a more restorative night’s rest. Productivity during daytime hours improved as well, simply because I wasn’t constantly interrupting tasks to check a social feed or reply to a non-urgent message.
There’s a psychological win here, too. The Brick reframes self-discipline as a practical, repeatable habit rather than a radical lifestyle overhaul. You learn to set boundaries without feeling deprived. After several weeks, the act of resisting became almost automatic—your brain starts recognizing the payoff of deliberate, slower device usage rather than sprinting toward the next notification.
Who should consider the Brick?
This device is particularly appealing to anyone wrestling with compulsive scrolling or looking to reclaim time for more meaningful activities. If you’re a student seeking fewer digital distractions while studying, a professional trying to improve deep work, or a parent aiming to model mindful device use for your household, the Brick offers a practical, affordable option. It’s not a cure-all; it won’t erase all distractions, but it provides a concrete tool to build healthier habits around technology use.
Practical tips for maximizing results
To get the most from the Brick, combine it with a few mindful practices. Set clear goals (e.g., “no phone during meals” or “no social apps after 9 p.m.”). Keep a simple log of how you spend time when the Brick is in reach, then review weekly to spot patterns. Consider pairing the device with a light routine change, such as a short walk after meals or a 10-minute reading session before bed. The combination is powerful: a tactile cue plus a structured routine reinforces healthier behavior over time.
Bottom line
Investing in a €70 device to curb screen time may seem modest, but the impact can be meaningful. The Brick doesn’t demand a lifestyle overhaul; it offers a tangible nudge toward intention and balance. If you’re curious about changing how you use your phone without deactivating essential apps, this simple, affordable gadget could be worth trying.
