We’ve all experienced those excruciating thoughts of: “I bet they’re with someone else” or, “Damn, I knew I should have waited longer to reply to that cute cat GIF they sent me!”

Let’s face it — modern dating is hard. With texting, Tinder and social media, it’s pretty hard to ignore the fact that the person you’re crushing on has been online for the last hour and hasn’t replied to you. But you’re better than that! We know you are.

So instead of freaking out and obsessing, here’s what you should do instead.

#1 Hit The Gym

It was the goddess Fergie who first encouraged us to “be up in the gym, working on our fitness”. Having your phone next to you on your yoga mat is a huge no-no, as is checking it in every rest break you have during circuit training.

While you’re busy not checking your phone or updating your Tinder profile, you can get that blood pumping and those endorphins flowing through your body, helping you feel like the true fitness queen you are. Get it!

#2 Read A Book

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say it’s embarrassing how little books I’ve read over this past year. The amount of time a phone can suck out of your day is a little frightening when you think about it.

A full-scale detox isn’t necessary here (and often isn’t realistic when there are emails and calendar events to be checked), but why not pop into a bookstore and check out this month’s bestsellers? You’ll have the opportunity to both expand your knowledge about a subject, and escape into a completely different world.

#3 Hang Out With A Friend

It may seem a cliche, but there is truly nothing better than brunch with your friends. And luckily, in Australia, there are no shortage of brunch spots to satisfy your appetite and Instagram feed.

Maybe just put a blanket ban on any date-talk. This is friend time, not potential-love-interest-who’s-driving-you-crazy time.

#4 Get Productive

The guilt of being lazy or unproductive can be crippling when paired with waiting around for a text, so get yourself to work. Make a to-do list, set some personal goals or even get cracking on uni work to not only distract yourself from your phone, but to feel like the productive and hardworking boss you are.

#5 Journal

Though all of these steps may help you get away from your phone and focus your thoughts elsewhere, it’s also really important to track how you’re feeling about this moment in time.

Writing in a journal, even if it’s only a few sentences a day, can help you not only reflect on this time in your life, but to figure out what you really want and what will truly make you happy. This work on your inner wellbeing will help project the outer self you wish to show the world — and might just help alleviate any nerves you feel as you anticipate a reply.

Good luck!

(Lead image: Mindy Project/Hulu)