Yep. Phone is like that person who has way too much weird energy, but can be plugged into group tasks to beneficial effect, if it's a really short time frame.
The more time you spend with them, the more unhinged they get; and you can end up getting sucked into their orbit for hours or days, which always ends badly.
Have you read the book 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman? Probably the best book on time management I've read. It really changed my thinking on a lot of things, and it fits really well with what you're talking about here.
Awesome! Hope you like it. Also, that vegan white bean sauce that you make (heard about it on the Q&A you did for Cool People...) do you just cook the white beans down with onions and spices or is there something else to it? Do you have a recipe for that? Thx!
I've been thinking about getting a "dumb phone" for exactly this reason. People can reach me, I can call and send SMS messages, and IIRC you can still use these as an alarm clock, to set a timer, etc. Or at least in lieu of a wristwatch?
The only real problem is the number of things in everyday life that are an app now. I answer work calls, charge my car, and even access some features of my office building via dedicated apps that can't be substituted for anything else.
I think you can take steps to figure out what really requires an app and what you can do with a browser. Businesses want you to think you need the app but often can just log in on their website.
If you're looking for recommendations: I highly recommend the Forest app. Even just the threat of a digital tree dying is enough to keep me off my phone for hours at a time.
I've had temporary success avoiding doom scrolling by having a book on my phone. Then when I get out my phone for distractions I end up reading a few minutes instead.
It annoys me to high heavens that getting a home phone is now kinda expensive. Putting all notifications on silent (not even vibrate) and only having the ringtone on volume for calls helps, I dont get distracted by the ping of a text or a weather update, but it's just not the same.
You can also just turn off notifications for apps,either temporarily or permanently. I don't have notifications for email, because virtually none of my email requires urgent attention.
Due to our move, we had no power for the server bunker for a week. That's why I'm only getting around to the German translation today. It also has something to do with mindfulness, a week without email, social media, and all that stuff...
Fun fact that you probably already know is that autism and adhd is often co-morbid, I have both myself. But also wondering if my adhd is just another manifestation of the PTSD/trauma. Imo diagnoses are of limited use. I just find my autism (self then professional) diagnosis helpful as autistic community gave me the language to explain to people the specifics of for example why I can't watch things and talk to people at the same time or why I need so much rest time after social events or why I need headphones or ear defenders at loud events.
I have a love-hate relationship with my phone bc of all the things you've listed and also it is the thing the reminds me to eat, to shower, to talk to humans.
You had me at the title. <3
Yep. Phone is like that person who has way too much weird energy, but can be plugged into group tasks to beneficial effect, if it's a really short time frame.
The more time you spend with them, the more unhinged they get; and you can end up getting sucked into their orbit for hours or days, which always ends badly.
A true chaotic neutral ;)
Have you read the book 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman? Probably the best book on time management I've read. It really changed my thinking on a lot of things, and it fits really well with what you're talking about here.
oh i'll check it out!
Awesome! Hope you like it. Also, that vegan white bean sauce that you make (heard about it on the Q&A you did for Cool People...) do you just cook the white beans down with onions and spices or is there something else to it? Do you have a recipe for that? Thx!
I've been thinking about getting a "dumb phone" for exactly this reason. People can reach me, I can call and send SMS messages, and IIRC you can still use these as an alarm clock, to set a timer, etc. Or at least in lieu of a wristwatch?
The only real problem is the number of things in everyday life that are an app now. I answer work calls, charge my car, and even access some features of my office building via dedicated apps that can't be substituted for anything else.
I think you can take steps to figure out what really requires an app and what you can do with a browser. Businesses want you to think you need the app but often can just log in on their website.
If you're looking for recommendations: I highly recommend the Forest app. Even just the threat of a digital tree dying is enough to keep me off my phone for hours at a time.
Love you too friend
I've had temporary success avoiding doom scrolling by having a book on my phone. Then when I get out my phone for distractions I end up reading a few minutes instead.
It annoys me to high heavens that getting a home phone is now kinda expensive. Putting all notifications on silent (not even vibrate) and only having the ringtone on volume for calls helps, I dont get distracted by the ping of a text or a weather update, but it's just not the same.
You can also just turn off notifications for apps,either temporarily or permanently. I don't have notifications for email, because virtually none of my email requires urgent attention.
Great post and so true!
Due to our move, we had no power for the server bunker for a week. That's why I'm only getting around to the German translation today. It also has something to do with mindfulness, a week without email, social media, and all that stuff...
Anyway: https://www.trueten.de/archives/14011-Ich-glaube-nicht,-dass-mein-Handy-mein-Freund-ist-oder-Ich-nehme-mir-vor,-noch-schlechter-darin-zu-werden,-oder-Ich-nehme-mir-vor,-noch-schlechter-darin-zu-werden,-Leuten-zu-antworten.html
Fun fact that you probably already know is that autism and adhd is often co-morbid, I have both myself. But also wondering if my adhd is just another manifestation of the PTSD/trauma. Imo diagnoses are of limited use. I just find my autism (self then professional) diagnosis helpful as autistic community gave me the language to explain to people the specifics of for example why I can't watch things and talk to people at the same time or why I need so much rest time after social events or why I need headphones or ear defenders at loud events.
I have a love-hate relationship with my phone bc of all the things you've listed and also it is the thing the reminds me to eat, to shower, to talk to humans.