I've been living under a screen-time limit for years, but it turns out that what I needed was not an app, but a $59 hunk of grey plastic. Enter the Brick – a matchbox-sized gadget that makes me actually use my phone less. By requiring physical interaction to bypass restrictions, it transforms my daily tech habits into conscious choices rather than unconscious reflexes.

The co-founders of Brick, Zach Nasgowitz and TJ Driver, created this device from a personal need: our phones were getting in the way of living. The app allows me to create custom modes, like ‘Sleep’ which blocks all apps except for messaging and audio ones. To unlock my phone, I have to physically walk downstairs and tap it against the Brick – a small but meaningful step towards more mindful tech use.

For those whose jobs are so connected to the internet that staying up late scrolling is just part of the daily routine, the Brick offers an innovative solution. It’s not about rejecting technology altogether, but reclaiming agency and being intentional in our digital lives. One user even managed to keep his primary texting app while still using a more controlled phone – perfect for keeping in touch with far-flung friends.

While some may prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, others find the Brick a happy medium between embracing modern tech and reclaiming control over their digital consumption. It’s not just about sleep; it’s about making meaningful choices that benefit our well-being without drastically changing our lifestyles.