My relationship with my phone is a strange one. (did I just say I had a relationship with an inanimate object?)
I own several businesses so I don’t get days off. I can try to unplug somewhat but I still must always be available. As I prepare for a couple book launches, the marketing people want me active on social media all the time, interacting quickly with followers.
Google 100+ things a day? Yep! Being curious is both good and bad, but really bad when you’re trying to get away from your phone.
I often feel like my phone has me on a leash and as soon as I get a few feet away, it always yanks me back and checks me. It whispers to me “where ya going bro?”
It’s almost inescapable.
I knew I had to take steps to reclaim some of my freedom. Step one was turning the ringer off, and I have never looked back. Don’t get me wrong, I still look at my phone often, but the constant chiming, ringing, and buzzing has stopped. No more racing across the room after that buzz and chirp. The first step to cutting off the beck-and-call of your phone is to turn the ringer off.
The next step is turning your phone over so you don’t see every single notification pop up. Between Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Yelp, TXT, and Email… in addition to the many other apps… my phone is always flashing like a disco strobe light. I still pick it up often to look, but probably 50% less than I did when I could see the screen.
I know everyone cannot do this, especially if they are waiting on an emergency call about family etc. But for those that can, try these two tricks to tame your dependence.
Being connected is a good feeling for me. I am actually less stressed when connected. But it doesn’t mean I have to have my phone in my hand 99% of the time, ignoring the real world right in front of me.
Originally published at medium.com