I moved all the apps into the app library rather than delete them. That way I have to swipe down and type the name of the app I want. It's been very effective.
Once I took away the icon I forgot the app existed! If I forced myself into not using any apps I'd be thinking about then constantly and using them more
I start my day by checking the kindle daily deals and my ebook wishlist for discounts.
I keep the drafts app on my homescreen and calendar app but I honestly don't use the rest of my home screen apps except pikmin bloom.
Pikmin bloom is amazing. I like that it has a finite number of things you can actually do in the game before you have to get up and walk somewhere to progress. There's no real 'goal' to it. You find seed pods, walk to grow them, level up the pikmin with nectar you get from sending them out on little missions then they get little decorations and you can collect petals. The expeditions bring more seed pods and you grow more pikmin. Then if your out for a walk you can plant flowers. It's honestly so random and simple but I've done so much more walking because of it.
It also has built in journaling which is the longest I've stuck to a journal!
I'm going to be controversial here and say tiktok is an essential for me. But I am fairly disciplined with it and can go days or weeks without opening it because it's not on my homepage. I find that people who don't like tiktok typically had a bad experience with the algorithm which is hugely telling about the person they are - tiktok knows you! What I like about it is I don't have to think about what I want to consume.
If Im in the mood for education if I quickly skip past other videos and only watch ones on bird ringing or reptile care then that's all I get for that session. Other times I'll want silly fun videos and sometimes i watch the ones on mental health.
Tiktok has been amazing for me as a form of therapy I've found so many open people on there in the comments as well and it's just nice to know I'm not alone! I've made more progress in my mental health struggles since downloading the app than I have in years of therapy!
I also like that it's connecting all the older and younger generations and at least on my side of Tiktok everyone is welcoming it's a safe space there's no gatekeeping and everyone looks after one another. Plus I get to keep up with the trends as a side bonus!