Okay, here's a post script from someone who agrees completely, and is a certified family caregiver by the US Dept of Veteran Affairs. (I've never put that in print like this before)
My husband is a 100% disability US combat veteran, and we sleep in different rooms so he maintaines a semblance of independence.
In order for me to allow myself to deep sleep, he agrees to call me so I can come and assist his toileting, etc. He loves saying 'Hey Google" and has his own voice-activated "valet," as he says.
That also means in the day, I can write, virtually coach, network, engage in a Mastermind, or read and comment on wonderful posts like this knowing that he can and will call when he needs my assistance.
I'm 75, an entrepreneur and a technology immigrant, who embraces and rejoices at the positive impact this smartphone has to my cognitive ability,
Before he and I lovingly set that protocol, I was unsure I could physically or emotionally go on.
Thank you for allowing me to share my truth here, G!
This makes sense. If you create friction it’s harder to complete that sequence and with us inherently wanting things to be as easy as possible, keeping your phone out of reach could be a smart move 👀
I can stay away from my phone all day when I’m with my boyfriend or my family, but when I’m alone that’s the problem, well I live by myself so it gets tricky, anyone else has this problem?
This article really hits home for me. I've always been a bit of a productivity junkie, constantly trying to optimize my time and get more done. But I've noticed that even when I'm not actively using my phone, it still seems to be draining my mental energy. It's like having a little productivity vampire lurking in my pocket! I'm definitely going to try the 'separation' strategy and see if it helps me reclaim some of that lost focus.
Great post! The proof of your point is how difficult it is even to force oneself to leave the phone somewhere far, as you suggest. We might want to persuade ourselves that it’s pointless simply because it’s really hard to do
I notice this a lot, the urge to check is much higher when my phone is in reach or in my sight-line. The most relaxing holidays I’ve ever had have been where there’s no mobile signal or WiFi!
I have grayscale, app timers and so many things activated. I need to try leaving the phone in another room. It's insane how much energy those small devices consume from us.
Yes, I’ve found that if I lock my phone away in another room it’s much better for my focus.
I’ve deleted most apps off my phone, and my screen time has come down a lot. Still, I wonder how life would be if I barely used my phone… that would be a good experiment
I definitely have more work to do in reducing my phone use. I had my phone stolen a while back and after 5 days of no phone at all I did not want to go back to just using it as much as I did before. It was taken out of my hand whilst I was walking along the street changing the songs. If I hadn’t been doing that, it wouldn’t have got stolen! So I don’t take it out of my pocket unless I’m taking a photo. I’ve turned off all my notifications so I don’t get distracted. I put my phone in my desk at home when I come home from work and usually don’t pick it up again until I’m going to sleep. But I still feel as if I’m missing out on something if I don’t check in with it. But definitely want to be less reliant on it. Thanks for sharing this. Super useful.
Definitely a blessing in disguise. It’s hard trying not to slip back into old ways, but I’m conscious of my phone use and this helps to get me to stop, think and then put the phone down.
I was finding it more and more stressful to continually see notifications. It became a distraction and I decided that if I want to check in with substack etc. on my own schedule, I’d have to turn them off. Also I’ve got a smart watch and it kept beeping!
Man, such a hit on a nail. I loved spotify, but I think I can try locking my phone into a compartment of my work bag. Bluetooth signal still can penetrate. Then, not only can I do stuff that needs to be done (read lame stuff) and also listen to amazing music. Thanks for sharing! Love the graphs with error bars. It stimulates the inner statistician in me.
Very good article - I read this a while back and have consciously eliminated the presence of my phone whenever I am engaging in deep work. There's nothing like an unencumbered flow state. After a while you start to realise how silly your thoughts can be while you're working. "Oh maybe I should check TikTok to see what XYZ is doing". Complete and utter brain drain. Well said.
Okay, here's a post script from someone who agrees completely, and is a certified family caregiver by the US Dept of Veteran Affairs. (I've never put that in print like this before)
My husband is a 100% disability US combat veteran, and we sleep in different rooms so he maintaines a semblance of independence.
In order for me to allow myself to deep sleep, he agrees to call me so I can come and assist his toileting, etc. He loves saying 'Hey Google" and has his own voice-activated "valet," as he says.
That also means in the day, I can write, virtually coach, network, engage in a Mastermind, or read and comment on wonderful posts like this knowing that he can and will call when he needs my assistance.
I'm 75, an entrepreneur and a technology immigrant, who embraces and rejoices at the positive impact this smartphone has to my cognitive ability,
Before he and I lovingly set that protocol, I was unsure I could physically or emotionally go on.
Thank you for allowing me to share my truth here, G!
My best technique has been to always wear a mechanical watch.
I splurged slightly on a solid diving watch with good internals
- I like looking at it to check time
- I don't dive, I use the crown for timing things in the kitchen & around the house.
- waterproof to way deeper than I'll ever go, so it stays on during any activity
This way I don't use the phone to check the time & I don't need to carry the phone around the house.
It’s true.
I brought my phone with me into the office this morning. Not getting much done other than commenting on stuff.
Recently I started leaving my phone on the nightstand when I wake up and walk down the hall to the office.
What a night and day difference when I leave it behind!
I’ve caught myself reaching for it when it’s not with me in the office.
I work for hours on other stuff when I leave it behind.
So yes, just having it nearby is a major distraction.
Hence, my comment here now.
My experience too. I’m good at putting my phone aside in the evening, but not when I’m trying to work.
This makes sense. If you create friction it’s harder to complete that sequence and with us inherently wanting things to be as easy as possible, keeping your phone out of reach could be a smart move 👀
Let’s do it then 😎
I can stay away from my phone all day when I’m with my boyfriend or my family, but when I’m alone that’s the problem, well I live by myself so it gets tricky, anyone else has this problem?
It is a lonely battle indeed.
🙂
This article really hits home for me. I've always been a bit of a productivity junkie, constantly trying to optimize my time and get more done. But I've noticed that even when I'm not actively using my phone, it still seems to be draining my mental energy. It's like having a little productivity vampire lurking in my pocket! I'm definitely going to try the 'separation' strategy and see if it helps me reclaim some of that lost focus.
It does drain our mental energy.
Love your definition of "productivity vampire".
I probably knew this was the case, but seeing the data to back it up really makes a difference. Great post!
Thank you Jack!
Great post! The proof of your point is how difficult it is even to force oneself to leave the phone somewhere far, as you suggest. We might want to persuade ourselves that it’s pointless simply because it’s really hard to do
It is hard indeed, because we are so connected, and if we separate from it, it feels like we’re separating from a piece of ourselves
I notice this a lot, the urge to check is much higher when my phone is in reach or in my sight-line. The most relaxing holidays I’ve ever had have been where there’s no mobile signal or WiFi!
Now you have science to confirm it 😄
I have grayscale, app timers and so many things activated. I need to try leaving the phone in another room. It's insane how much energy those small devices consume from us.
Absolutely, and we are just at the beginning of understanding the true effects of this.
Yes, I’ve found that if I lock my phone away in another room it’s much better for my focus.
I’ve deleted most apps off my phone, and my screen time has come down a lot. Still, I wonder how life would be if I barely used my phone… that would be a good experiment
👏🏼 well done Stefano!
I definitely have more work to do in reducing my phone use. I had my phone stolen a while back and after 5 days of no phone at all I did not want to go back to just using it as much as I did before. It was taken out of my hand whilst I was walking along the street changing the songs. If I hadn’t been doing that, it wouldn’t have got stolen! So I don’t take it out of my pocket unless I’m taking a photo. I’ve turned off all my notifications so I don’t get distracted. I put my phone in my desk at home when I come home from work and usually don’t pick it up again until I’m going to sleep. But I still feel as if I’m missing out on something if I don’t check in with it. But definitely want to be less reliant on it. Thanks for sharing this. Super useful.
Sorry to hear about the theft.
A blessing in disguise?
We all have to do a little more in reducing our phone addiction, we will gain more hours in our life to do more of what matters.
Thanks for the kind words, I really enjoyed writing this piece!
Definitely a blessing in disguise. It’s hard trying not to slip back into old ways, but I’m conscious of my phone use and this helps to get me to stop, think and then put the phone down.
Nice one Giacomo!
Thanks Ian!
Today I turned off all my notifications because if I see one, I have to check it.
Well done, Wendy!
Why today? Did something happened that made you decide today was the day?
I was finding it more and more stressful to continually see notifications. It became a distraction and I decided that if I want to check in with substack etc. on my own schedule, I’d have to turn them off. Also I’ve got a smart watch and it kept beeping!
How do you feel now?
Much better. Not so distracted.
Man, such a hit on a nail. I loved spotify, but I think I can try locking my phone into a compartment of my work bag. Bluetooth signal still can penetrate. Then, not only can I do stuff that needs to be done (read lame stuff) and also listen to amazing music. Thanks for sharing! Love the graphs with error bars. It stimulates the inner statistician in me.
Very good article - I read this a while back and have consciously eliminated the presence of my phone whenever I am engaging in deep work. There's nothing like an unencumbered flow state. After a while you start to realise how silly your thoughts can be while you're working. "Oh maybe I should check TikTok to see what XYZ is doing". Complete and utter brain drain. Well said.
Thanks Kavi!