Move More, Scroll Smarter, Feel Better with the Steppin App
Peace Corps volunteers can have a lot of downtime, and if you have good internet, it’s easy to slip into the endless scrolling of Instagram reels or YouTube shorts. That’s why I’m testing out a new app called Steppin—a completely FREE app that limits phone usage based on the number of steps you take. More movement means more screen time, creating a balance between physical activity and digital usage.
The Need for Apps Like Steppin
A recent study highlighted just how much our phone habits affect our mental well-being. Researchers asked almost 500 participants to block mobile internet access for two weeks, while still allowing texts and calls. The results? A 91% improvement in mental health, increased life satisfaction, and better attention spans. Screen time dropped from over 5 hours a day to just under three.
But the study also showed that completely cutting off mobile internet isn’t realistic for most people. We need our phones for work, maps, music, and staying connected. That’s where apps like Steppin come in. Instead of cutting screen time, Steppin limits it by encouraging movement first. Walk more, scroll more—it’s a simple concept that helps prevent mindless doomscrolling while boosting physical health.
My Experience Using Steppin
The way Steppin works, is you choose the apps to limit - and for me, that was Instagram and YouTube. Then you how many steps you need to use one minute of restricted app usage: 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 steps. I'm pretty active so I set mine to 500. And you can set when everything should be reset: daily, weekly, never. By setting it to "weekly" you can bank activity minutes from day to day. But if you really want to be hard core, set it to "daily."
But you're not locked out of the apps you chose to limit. You can still use them past the limits, but you have to make a conscious choice to do so. I think that's the best part of the app - it is like a speed bump when you suddenly find yourself zoning out on the apps. Steppin will stop you but you can still override it.
Of course, this approach takes some getting used to. Just like the study found, breaking tech habits isn’t easy. But even a partial shift toward reducing screen time can make a big difference. By linking screen time to physical movement, Steppin offers an alternative to all-or-nothing digital detoxes.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself spending too much time glued to your phone, consider trying Steppin. It’s a simple way to create balance, stay active, and be more present in your host community. Plus, the science backs it up: less screen time leads to better mental health.
Would you try an app like this? Let me know your thoughts!
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Reference: 91% of people feel better after changing this one tech habit - and it's not what you think