My phone is permanently on 'silent'. This was a routine established many years ago as I work in a Library. However, I find I enjoy not being disturbed by pings and rings in general. The only downsides that I have found, are that i either miss an urgent message or call or I keep checking my phone to see if someone has messaged or rung 🤔 I am thinking I should put my phone away for periods of time to break the habit.
It is interesting how many of us are wishing we weren't addicted to our phones !
Yes, I can relate! I've altered my 'do not disturb' setting on my phone so that phone calls will ring out and my loved ones know to ring me if its urgent or time sensitive! It's help me feel more relaxed about leaving my phone for long stretches :)
I have a rule that I don't look at or answer my phone after 6pm. After a while everyone knows about it and it is not a problem. I put on a 'do not disturb' so the phone does not ring. But I set it up so anyone in my 'favourites' will ring at any time. This means close family can ring / text if there is an emergency and I will hear it.
I am trying to de-digitize as much as possible and have taken many apps off my phone. I also removed YouTube, but ended up putting it back on. I don’t want to add a spotify subscription to my bills and I can’t afford to buy every song that interests me, making YouTube an easy go-to music option. I’m working on curbing mindless scrolling and unnecessarily jumping on whenever I’m bored as a counter measure to adding it back on my phone. It’s not easy though. I also worry about worrying people (mainly my anxious mother) whenever I have my chuck-my-phone-in-a-corner days. It seems like every time I turn my phone off, I get a call or text and “why didn’t you pickup?” Seriously, what did people do when they couldn’t immediately contact everyone 24/7? Other than emergency situations, I find myself wishing I lived before cellphones. The constant accessibility is quite anxiety inducing.
I can completely relate. I've found that explaining to my loved ones that I'm trying to spend more time away from my phone, so won't be as accessible, has helped ease my anxiety. But I realise that's not an option for everyone!
Loved the idea of quiet time! I’m a morning person too and hit a wall around the same time- love the intentionality!
4 years ago when my second child was born and I wanted to make sure my phone was away when I was playing with my kids I got a digital watch- nothing fancy- not a smart watch- just a $20 waterproof watch and it’s changed the game for me. Often times I was looking at my phone for the time to track what was needed in our day.
Now my phone has a home too and I try not to keep it with me/deleted the distracting apps (I moved YouTube to my laptop for intentional versus mindless use too!)
Such a challenge - thanks for the post. Finally bought a battery operated alarm clock - it is by bagby. The alarm starts off softer and then gets louder. It does not tick. I love it!
These are great tips, especially replacing the phone with physical tools!
I deliberately never got a smartphone (I wrote about it here: https://ayearofnature.substack.com/p/why-i-dont-have-a-smartphone), but honestly, I get similar issues with my laptop - using it for mindless distraction etc. Most of these tips are helpful for laptop overuse as well!
A main advantage of not having a smartphone, in my opinion, is that as soon as you're out and about you're clearly away from any source of distraction and temptation (I certainly won't take my laptop on a hike...). But I get that there are many useful aspects of smartphones and I'm sure if I had one I'd find it very hard to go back!
This has been on my mind for quite a while Molly. I was thinking of putting my phone in a jar for 2 hours to begin with. I think it is fantastic you've done this. I'm a very analogue person. I use Fountain pens and typewriters on a daily basis. Look forward to hearing how you get on.
Thank you for these tips!! I’ve also started leaving my phone in one place during the day and then I switch it off completely at night. It’s so lovely to be able to choose when I want to switch it on again and be “connected” again. I find it getting increasingly later in the morning - fascinating to realize how something so simple has made me enjoy the morning time with my kids so much more🤍 no distractions just us starting the day together 🤍
Such a great start as YouTube and now Substack are my crutches in the in between times. There are phones like lightphone (not sure if it’s available near you) or wise phone that offers a happy medium. Though mine is still sitting in the box!
Gosh, I love the idea of accepting the 3-5 down time. I'm an early waker too (not quite an early riser, as it would disturb my husband too much, but I read for an hour or two before getting up)and I usually get an afternoon slump. The problem is the working world or at least the UK working world doesn't have a siesta, so I usually push through it. I wonder what would happen if I didn't. Would people notice? Probably not!
I would love to know more about how you organized your art supplies to be more visible in your home. I struggle with the need to keep things tidy and put away, but I also have issues with object permanence and will literally forget my supplies exist even though I love to use them.
Mine are still hidden in a cupboard but I emptied a shelf and spread out the supplies properly, so they are not stacked on top of each other and easier to grab. I don't have too many, so that's worked for me :)
Thank you for sharing your personal experience, I would also love to be on the phone less. One thing that has been a huge help is leaving my phone in another room when I am at home. Out of sight, out of mind, as you said as well. They are designed to be addictive and I believe we are allowed to be less hard on ourselves when we keep being drawn to it. It is about little changes, slowly, step by step 🧡
Re trading the phone - I kept my Iphone 4! And still use it! I have gone this far and its great. I use it for its primary purpose - making phone calls! i feel so much better for it!
I’d highly recommend trying a yoga nidra (guided deep rest) for your 3pm rest time - it’s truly been a game changer for me!
Oh thank you for the recommendation!
Me too Kathryn - I use the Ally Boothroyd youtube channel for amazing yoga nidras.
Not come across them before, will take a look 💕
These tips feel so simple and accessible, thank you for sharing them! Will definitely be trying them
I meditate while lying on my foam roller at 3pm each day. It's a lovely way to transition into the second half of the afternoon.
My phone is permanently on 'silent'. This was a routine established many years ago as I work in a Library. However, I find I enjoy not being disturbed by pings and rings in general. The only downsides that I have found, are that i either miss an urgent message or call or I keep checking my phone to see if someone has messaged or rung 🤔 I am thinking I should put my phone away for periods of time to break the habit.
It is interesting how many of us are wishing we weren't addicted to our phones !
Good luck Molly x
Yes, I can relate! I've altered my 'do not disturb' setting on my phone so that phone calls will ring out and my loved ones know to ring me if its urgent or time sensitive! It's help me feel more relaxed about leaving my phone for long stretches :)
I have a rule that I don't look at or answer my phone after 6pm. After a while everyone knows about it and it is not a problem. I put on a 'do not disturb' so the phone does not ring. But I set it up so anyone in my 'favourites' will ring at any time. This means close family can ring / text if there is an emergency and I will hear it.
I am trying to de-digitize as much as possible and have taken many apps off my phone. I also removed YouTube, but ended up putting it back on. I don’t want to add a spotify subscription to my bills and I can’t afford to buy every song that interests me, making YouTube an easy go-to music option. I’m working on curbing mindless scrolling and unnecessarily jumping on whenever I’m bored as a counter measure to adding it back on my phone. It’s not easy though. I also worry about worrying people (mainly my anxious mother) whenever I have my chuck-my-phone-in-a-corner days. It seems like every time I turn my phone off, I get a call or text and “why didn’t you pickup?” Seriously, what did people do when they couldn’t immediately contact everyone 24/7? Other than emergency situations, I find myself wishing I lived before cellphones. The constant accessibility is quite anxiety inducing.
I can completely relate. I've found that explaining to my loved ones that I'm trying to spend more time away from my phone, so won't be as accessible, has helped ease my anxiety. But I realise that's not an option for everyone!
In the UK Spotify is free if you are in a WiFi area. There are ads and some limits.
Loved the idea of quiet time! I’m a morning person too and hit a wall around the same time- love the intentionality!
4 years ago when my second child was born and I wanted to make sure my phone was away when I was playing with my kids I got a digital watch- nothing fancy- not a smart watch- just a $20 waterproof watch and it’s changed the game for me. Often times I was looking at my phone for the time to track what was needed in our day.
Now my phone has a home too and I try not to keep it with me/deleted the distracting apps (I moved YouTube to my laptop for intentional versus mindless use too!)
Oh I love this tip! Thank you for sharing love :)
Such a challenge - thanks for the post. Finally bought a battery operated alarm clock - it is by bagby. The alarm starts off softer and then gets louder. It does not tick. I love it!
Sounds great!
All great points and something to strive for. I do want to ask out of curiosity if you use your phone for your videos and photos?
I mostly use my camera for my YouTube videos but still use my phone for photos, but I don't take that many tbh!
These are great tips, especially replacing the phone with physical tools!
I deliberately never got a smartphone (I wrote about it here: https://ayearofnature.substack.com/p/why-i-dont-have-a-smartphone), but honestly, I get similar issues with my laptop - using it for mindless distraction etc. Most of these tips are helpful for laptop overuse as well!
A main advantage of not having a smartphone, in my opinion, is that as soon as you're out and about you're clearly away from any source of distraction and temptation (I certainly won't take my laptop on a hike...). But I get that there are many useful aspects of smartphones and I'm sure if I had one I'd find it very hard to go back!
I love hearing from someone who's opted out of a smartphone, so that you for sharing!
This has been on my mind for quite a while Molly. I was thinking of putting my phone in a jar for 2 hours to begin with. I think it is fantastic you've done this. I'm a very analogue person. I use Fountain pens and typewriters on a daily basis. Look forward to hearing how you get on.
I love this!
Thank you for these tips!! I’ve also started leaving my phone in one place during the day and then I switch it off completely at night. It’s so lovely to be able to choose when I want to switch it on again and be “connected” again. I find it getting increasingly later in the morning - fascinating to realize how something so simple has made me enjoy the morning time with my kids so much more🤍 no distractions just us starting the day together 🤍
I love this idea! :)
Yes yes yes to rest, as Tricia Hersey says “rest if resistance”!
Such a great start as YouTube and now Substack are my crutches in the in between times. There are phones like lightphone (not sure if it’s available near you) or wise phone that offers a happy medium. Though mine is still sitting in the box!
Oh I'll have to look into them, thank you!
Gosh, I love the idea of accepting the 3-5 down time. I'm an early waker too (not quite an early riser, as it would disturb my husband too much, but I read for an hour or two before getting up)and I usually get an afternoon slump. The problem is the working world or at least the UK working world doesn't have a siesta, so I usually push through it. I wonder what would happen if I didn't. Would people notice? Probably not!
I would love to know more about how you organized your art supplies to be more visible in your home. I struggle with the need to keep things tidy and put away, but I also have issues with object permanence and will literally forget my supplies exist even though I love to use them.
Mine are still hidden in a cupboard but I emptied a shelf and spread out the supplies properly, so they are not stacked on top of each other and easier to grab. I don't have too many, so that's worked for me :)
Thank you for sharing your personal experience, I would also love to be on the phone less. One thing that has been a huge help is leaving my phone in another room when I am at home. Out of sight, out of mind, as you said as well. They are designed to be addictive and I believe we are allowed to be less hard on ourselves when we keep being drawn to it. It is about little changes, slowly, step by step 🧡
Very true :)
Re trading the phone - I kept my Iphone 4! And still use it! I have gone this far and its great. I use it for its primary purpose - making phone calls! i feel so much better for it!
Love this!
Oh I absolutely adore this reflection! I'm moving forward with your first suggestion now. It's giving my childhood "home phone" and I'm here for it 😝
Yes, all the nostalgic vibes! :)