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have been toying of the idea of switching to a dumb phone for a while but decided i may as well start by seeing what i can do with this phone first.
deleted all unnecessary/time-wasting apps, adjusted settings to make phone less stimulating, and while i was at it i redesigned my homescreen to reduce clutter and fit the old tech vibe i’m manifesting for myself!!!
was a tedious process but i’m happy with the results, using my phone already feels less overwhelming overall :)
(btw if anyone is interested in lobotomizing their phone this is the guide i followed)
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as a side effect of my job (and being me): I am chronically online and trying to fix that. this is my new home screen on my iPhone 15 Pro. I installed an app blocker so that when I shift into my custom minimal focus, only the default apps and what is on my home screen function.
its only been a few days but this paired with journaling when I’m “bored” instead of endlessly scrolling has already had a positive effect on my mental health. I can still freely browse on my desktop, but my phone is slowly turning into less and less of a dopamine sink and I think I’m gonna stick with it!!
Feb 8, 2024
i have been on a journey to untangle my tasks from my iPhone.
i'd be out in the world someplace, pull out my phone for something as menial as checking the time, or as well intentioned as capturing the moment in a pic, and immediately get sucked into texts and instagram™️ and all the virtual things happening in this tiny lil demon light box.
the goal: pull my phone out of my bag ONLY for phone things. that's texting, calling, and apps that can't be replaced
the solutions so far:
🕰️ i started with a watch (shoutout Casio) and i wear it every day. once I broke the habit of checking my phone for the time, I felt legitimately freed from something Major
📷 I bought a small digital camera to leave in my bag. the pics look better and I don’t get distracted by the virtual world when I'm trying to capture something in the now
📚 I bought a kindle. It fits in my jacket pocket (literally) and gives me something to do when I'm on the train or waiting for an appointment that isn't scrolling
I just realized so much of the time I spent on my phone was not intentional. It was a thing I was doing in between Other intentional moments. my screen time is still several hours a day (don’t get me wrong) but I think my brain has healed at least 3%.
welcoming other ideas as well💡
Sep 24, 2024
📞
I made the decision to "downgrade" to a flip phone and I genuinely think it is the best decision I've made in a long time. It's weirdly connected me to my inner-child. Which, in retrospect, I reckon I should have expected. The camera quality sucks in the best way, but I carry my Canon camera around too in case I need to capture something more important. I've been calling my friends more because T9 texting is a drag. Haha, I've been texting like "do u wanna c a movie l8er?"
I talk to strangers more when I'm waiting in line, when I can't look something up. I've been writing questions in my journal because I can't look it up in the moment, I have to get onto the computer later in the day and satiate my ever-flighty mind. Don't get me wrong, it sucked at first, but the intrigue absolutely helped. It has just been a fun way to spend the summer I guess. Screen time is down, my boredom has breed creativity, and I feel far more present in the world.
If you've been thinking about trading your smart phone in for a dumb phone, take this as a sign. I recommend it immensely.
Jul 15, 2024
Top Recs from @milkbags
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bring back “computer time”. bring back logging in and logging off
Jan 24, 2024
🥁
support the artists that your fav artists support!
Mar 7, 2024
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i will crash this fucking car
Feb 9, 2025