Bobby Meyer
This weekend, inspired by the Cool Mom Picks book club video chat about How to Break Up with Your Phone, I decided to try one of author Catherine Price’s tips to help me be more mindful about my screen time, and more aware of how much I pick up my phone. She suggested that you change your lock screen to upload wallpaper with the question: What do I want to pay attention to?
This is a quote that’s been taped to my wall, tacked to my office bulletin board, scribbled on paper and tucked into my wallet.
I explained to her that this quote is to remind me, every time I reach for my phone, that I can decide whether I really need to check it right no.
And while mine know that my job involves social media, and that I can’t disconnect all the time (sometimes, being reachable on-the-go can actually free me up to be out with my kids instead of tethered to my desk), just my daughter knowing that I was thinking about my kids in this way, inspired that monstrous, spontaneous, hug-to-end-all-hugs. Last night, I even got through one (admittedly painful) made-for-Netfix romantic comedy with my daughter, totally 100% phone-free.
If you want to know some of her other ideas, be sure to listen to the Spawned podcast interview about How to Break Up with Your Phone, or watch me summarize the top tips on this Facebook live video. If you’re the type who’s tempted to multi-task with tech (raising my hand here), as in checking your messages or sending a text while you’re doing something that requires more focus, this question may be the right one to ask yourself.
This has helped me spend a lot more time catching up on the NYT Crossword on weekends. Maybe you’ll be able to write a thank you note, send an RSVP, schedule a lunch with a friend, or jot down ideas for a craft project you’ve had in mind. Or hey, download a book you’ve been meaning to read, or subscribe to a new podcast. I notice that sometimes I avoid tasks I don’t want to do by picking up my phone, and when I think about the alternatives as being needed, it helps me prioritize them in my life.
When you’re forced to say “I’m picking up my phone” each time, it may help you determine whether you feel smart (like if you’re paying a bill or responding to a teacher’s email), or whether you feel…well, like maybe playing level 2047 of Candy Crush isn’t a big priority right now after all. Just a little bit of inspiration to help you make better, more mindful choices about how you’re spending your time. And hey, maybe that choice helps get you something even more valuable than the good feeling of a Facebook like or a cute kitten video on Instagram.
