It was in the second week of my less-cell-phone resolution, that I found a pattern that works. Finding that pattern, a schedule, something that works, is key to any goal. It was my key to losing weight three years ago, and now it's my key to living life a little more off the grid.
Instead of checking my phone on the hour or worse, I'm down to a few times a day. I send some good morning texts before my kids get up, and then all devices away while I'm getting them ready for school. Once Rosie's on the bus, and Buddy's at preschool, I take a minute to respond to texts, and then I essentially put my phone away until lunch time, approximately 1:30pm.
No Facebook, no emails, no texts.
Have I mentioned that my anxiety has decreased significantly? It really has.
I'm engaging more with the people around me, and when I'm alone, I just let my mind wander without feeling the pressure of responding to emails and Facebook comments and messages immediately. When I know I might be in a situation where I'll have to do some waiting (i.e. doctor's office), I've gotten back in the habit of bringing a book with me. Unlike when I aimlessly perused my cell, reading a chapter never, ever feels like a waste of time.
After my 15 minutes at lunch time, my cell goes back in its place, in a corner of the kitchen, where I can honestly report that it's become part of the scenery lately, instead of a lifeline.
If I have plans or a meeting that night, I will probably pick my cell back up around 5pm just to check that nothing has been cancelled or changed. Otherwise? Yesterday my cell just sat there for approximately 6 hours.
It's been such a big change for me, and I am happy that I've been able to stick with it. I also bought a watch this week for the first time in over 10 years, and that has been a huge help. They do still serve a purpose! You can check the time and not be bombarded with a million, mostly-useless notifications.
They say it takes approximately three weeks to form a new habit. I'm on my way there! If you don't like an aspect of your life, change it. So much more is in our control than we think.
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