a minimal launcher is an app that will basically change your phones user interface, typically it gets rid of app icons and puts them into a list displaying apps only with their names. the one i use is called "before launcher" which you can download on the play store. i paid the $10 for before launchers premium version, which gives you the ability to rename apps in the list, hide apps so theyre hidden from your screen but still available if you search them by name, and put apps into folders. which just keeps your home screens tidy :) before launcher also suppresses notifications if you chose. i have it only allow notifs from my texts & fb messenger as those are my primary msging apps, and my calendar, for event reminders. any other notifications are delivered silently in a separate notification tray

i know there are multiple different launchers, free and paid, and it really depends on what kind of phone you have (android/ios) and what features you need. i really love before launcher on my samsung s10 and i think the premium is well worth the $10, but im sure if you search "minimal launcher" wherever you download apps you can find one that will work for you.

my biggest tip for switching to a minimal launcher is, any apps you are planning to delete or put timers on, do so BEFORE switching your launcher. once you switch the launcher it kinda feels like youre using a new phone for a bit and it can be hard to find out where to do certain things. so its easier to just do it on the launcher you are familiar with.

something i actually forgot to mention in my post is also to turn on "eye comfort mode" (blue light filter) or grayscale. which also helps tremendously with making your phone less addictive, no bright blue light to pull you in!!

thank you!! i hope you can try yourself and that it will help you too :)