A new computer is so exciting! Over the last year I’d worked hard to distance myself from my phone as well. My phone was also slowly deteriorating which helped. It hardly worked! But then I had a baby and I found that for the first time in my life I actually ~needed~ a handheld device (and more storage for photos) so now my phone is my primary device for everything— reading, writing, and importantly, photographing a little baby. Still no social media, but it’s actually strange to acknowledge if I want to get any writing done, I need my phone!
There is something hilarious about reading this on my phone while paused in writing. I turned off most notifications on my phone sometime in December to focus better (which is why I’m rare in the discord now!), and it’s been huge. It’s so easy to lose minutes and hours scrolling social medias.
I did this same thing this year! Bought myself a very unfancy smart watch that gets phone calls and notifications from my phone, since I need to be reachable in case of kid emergencies but know if the phone's in my pocket, I'll be reaching for it. Haven't yet managed to figure out where my phone will live in the house when not in my pocket, though, so it's... still in my pocket. You've given me the kick in the pants I needed to sort that out, though! It's awesome you've had such success with this! I love hearing from other people who've managed to kick the habit. It's scary how much those devices have infiltrated our lives.
I'm happy for you that you found something that works for what you want!
I feel aware, as you are, of the importance of not being on a phone "just because" (sort of thing) or of being "glued" to a phone. The way I approach my phone feels very freeing to me: when I use it, I use it most of all to message my loved ones or to take pictures of and with my loved ones, and sometimes to check email, do research or work on my book.
Another thing that I find helps is to use the phone with intent. If you want to check messages or send something to a loved one, then the phone comes out. If you want to exercise for 15 minutes, then the focus is on exercising for those 15 minutes. Do you know what I mean?
As with many things, moderation is key; too much phone time (especially if it's something one is doing subconsciously, such as scrolling without focus, rather than interacting with others) can replace things you actually value more, so a healthy balance can feel very freeing and enable you to focus on what really matters most to you. I think the key for someone is to find the right balance for them, and keep prioritizing what is most important to them (loved ones and health, for example).
A new computer is so exciting! Over the last year I’d worked hard to distance myself from my phone as well. My phone was also slowly deteriorating which helped. It hardly worked! But then I had a baby and I found that for the first time in my life I actually ~needed~ a handheld device (and more storage for photos) so now my phone is my primary device for everything— reading, writing, and importantly, photographing a little baby. Still no social media, but it’s actually strange to acknowledge if I want to get any writing done, I need my phone!
There is something hilarious about reading this on my phone while paused in writing. I turned off most notifications on my phone sometime in December to focus better (which is why I’m rare in the discord now!), and it’s been huge. It’s so easy to lose minutes and hours scrolling social medias.
I hope you enjoy that new gaming computer!
I did this same thing this year! Bought myself a very unfancy smart watch that gets phone calls and notifications from my phone, since I need to be reachable in case of kid emergencies but know if the phone's in my pocket, I'll be reaching for it. Haven't yet managed to figure out where my phone will live in the house when not in my pocket, though, so it's... still in my pocket. You've given me the kick in the pants I needed to sort that out, though! It's awesome you've had such success with this! I love hearing from other people who've managed to kick the habit. It's scary how much those devices have infiltrated our lives.
I'm happy for you that you found something that works for what you want!
I feel aware, as you are, of the importance of not being on a phone "just because" (sort of thing) or of being "glued" to a phone. The way I approach my phone feels very freeing to me: when I use it, I use it most of all to message my loved ones or to take pictures of and with my loved ones, and sometimes to check email, do research or work on my book.
Another thing that I find helps is to use the phone with intent. If you want to check messages or send something to a loved one, then the phone comes out. If you want to exercise for 15 minutes, then the focus is on exercising for those 15 minutes. Do you know what I mean?
As with many things, moderation is key; too much phone time (especially if it's something one is doing subconsciously, such as scrolling without focus, rather than interacting with others) can replace things you actually value more, so a healthy balance can feel very freeing and enable you to focus on what really matters most to you. I think the key for someone is to find the right balance for them, and keep prioritizing what is most important to them (loved ones and health, for example).