310: I Made My Phone Less Interesting — Here’s What Happened
Over the last year, I’ve been slowly untangling myself from my iPhone — removing the apps that distract me, reaching for books or magazines instead, and experimenting with what it feels like to make my device less interesting. Because the truth is, I want to be a more present person. Someone whose using idle moments wisely instead of mindlessly.
In this episode, I talk about:
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Why I stopped posting on Instagram
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The simple change that reduced my screen time almost immediately
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The “glittery apps” I removed (and why)
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The tension between needing technology and wanting space from it
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How I’m handling things like Google, email, and yes — even ChatGPT
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The tactile rituals I’ve replaced scrolling with (books, magazines, painting)
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A new daily noticing practice that’s helping me retrain my attention
Most of all, I share what this shift has made possible for me, which is everything I’ve been wanting more of.
So, if you’ve been feeling overstimulated, distracted, or just tired of your phone having such a strong pull on your nervous system — this might inspire your own experiment.
Join Me over on This Season
If you’re not already subscribed to my Substack, I’m sharing monthly updates on this analog experiment — including what’s working, what’s hard, and what I’m learning along the way. You can join me at blairbadenhop.substack.com.