My phone is constantly on airplane mode. It’s on airplane mode right now. Thanks for waiting on my text responses.
It helps me concentrate and do more in less time. I also have a 30 minute timer going (pomodoro). Once that goes off I might re-check the phone.
I might. You know, because it’s very likely I’ll miss an urgent message if I don’t check my phone every hour.
I definitely appreciate the incredible power of this device that follows me in my pocket. Last summer a friend told me that he had FaceTimed his family using the Wifi from the Great Wall of China! My hand holds the amusement park of the world wide web. It basically holds a magic wand (the iPhone flashlight is the lumos spell from Harry Potter, right?).
But don’t you feel that phone feverishly pulling at you? Just having it on the table next to you can be distracting, not to mention the cost of continually checking email (5 min.).
I’ve found I feel more at ease when I put my phone in airplane mode. I can focus on the task at hand, and that nagging sense that someone might text me is eliminated. I trust I’ll get the message later.
I switch to airplane mode when I prepare scores, take naps, and while I sleep at night. Then, I don’t switch to normal mode for at least an hour after waking up, after my morning routine (11 min.). I protect this precious time and start my day building positive habits and momentum. So much better than when I used to check Facebook newsfeed immediately upon arising!
I also find phone respite at random times like while driving, or lounging on a Saturday. I find this unplugging time (3 min.) crucial for rejuvenation, and my mind is better able to reflect, process, and slow down (19 min.) in these moments. Lastly, I try to leave the phone at home when going out for social events. The first time I tried this at a lovely Ann Arbor summer barbecue, I experienced a richer sense of presence, lightheartedness, and relaxation.
Technology is a tool that’s most effective when you use it, rather than let it use you.
How can you be more intentional?
