Since I read Deep Work last month I’ve been trying to find ways to be more focused and get into the flow state of productivity: with writing, reading, or at work. I’d give myself an A- on following the personal routine I’ve set for myself (reading, writing, meditation, exercise). In the office, I’ve started shutting my door for the first time just to focus. A couple of weeks ago I worked one morning from the library. And yet, I’m finding it difficult to get into long stretches of focused work daily. I’m finding it difficult to start.
The 2 hours and 17 minutes of screen time can’t be helping. I don’t sit on my phone for long stretches, but I feel the addictive pull to check my screen regularly in short bursts. Most of the time I don’t realize I’m doing it until the phone is already in my hand. It’s a regular lament about my generation: glued to our phones, overly connected yet disconnected from everything around us.
Refreshing Instagram or scrolling through Goodreads can be welcome distractions, but often I don’t even want a distraction. I’ll pick up my phone in the middle of the show I’m watching and enjoying. That lack of control is unsettling and I feel guilty once I notice my own behavior.
There’s a few strategies I’ve heard of for curbing this problem:
- Delete wasteful social media apps
- Schedule time to check apps
- Use your phone settings to cut you off after X time spent on social apps each day
- Keep your phone out of reach and out of sight
- Don’t check your phone first thing in the morning or last thing before bed
I’m going to be mindful this week of how often I reach for my phone. Put my hand to my chest and breathe for a moment instead. Move on.
As a first step, I went into my phone settings and set a 45 minute limit on social networking apps. I also dictated what apps would always be allowed (messaging, maps, meditation … the essentials, but not time wasters for me). I set downtime from my phone from 9:30-4:30 where I can only use those essential apps. Let’s see how blocking daytime Instagram increases my focus.
We’ll find out how it goes but I am motivated to get a healthy slice of those 2 hours and 13 minutes back in my day. Think of all the books, writing, projects, sleep I could add to my life.
With Love,
Natalie