leaving the phone in the other room

This is one step up from "screens-off time", in this case I physically distance myself from all screens.

maintaining control of the alarms

There are many Android smart-watches [📔2] out there, and many of them support Wi-Fi. Using Wi-Fi should allow me to "snooze" alarms from a longer distance away.

playing music

Using my Google Nest Hub, use commands like:

If I'm only listening to it:

• Play [song name].
• Play [song name] by [artist name].
• Play [artist name].
• Play [album name].
• Genre or mood — Play classical music,   Play music for cooking,   Play happy music on [music service].
• Personalized suggestions — Play some music.

If I'm looking at the screen:

• Show me songs by [artist].
• Show me albums by [artist].
• Show me relaxing music stations.

Control what's playing:

• Pause.
• Stop.
• Resume.
• What's playing?

See more.