In this episode, the hosts discuss intentional technology and share strategies to manage distractions and improve overall well-being. They talk about the benefits of removing email from the phone and how to minimize distractions and increase productivity. They also reflect on the positive impact of removing distractions from the phone and not using it.
Removing the email app from the phone can significantly reduce distractions, anxiety, and improve mood and energy levels.
Deleting entertainment-based apps from the phone, while keeping useful ones, can create more time, decrease distractions, and enhance overall mood and energy.
Deep dives
Intentional technology and its impact on mood and energy
The podcast episode discusses the concept of intentional technology and its effect on mood and energy. The host shares her personal journey of being intentional about her technology usage, specifically with regards to screens and social media. She highlights the impact of excessive screen time on her mental health and energy levels, and emphasizes the need to be thoughtful and intentional about technology usage. The host presents two practical strategies she has implemented: removing the email app from her phone and removing toys (games and social media) from her phone. She explains how these practices have resulted in increased focus, decreased distraction, and a sense of having more time. While acknowledging the potential challenges and initial discomfort associated with these changes, the host encourages listeners to consider adopting these intentional technology practices for improved well-being.
Taking the email app off the phone
The podcast episode delves into the first intentional technology practice, which involves removing the email app from the phone. The host shares her personal experience of feeling constantly compelled to check her email on her phone and how it contributed to distraction, anxiety, and decreased energy. By eliminating the email app from her phone and checking her emails only when sitting at her laptop, she noticed a significant reduction in distractions and an overall improvement in her mood and energy levels. The host addresses common objections to this practice, such as concerns about emergencies or the need for immediate access to emails, and suggests alternatives like accessing email through the phone's browser or using the notes app to store important information from emails. She emphasizes the benefits of this practice and encourages listeners to consider implementing it to reclaim their time and protect their mental well-being.
Removing toys from the phone
The podcast episode explores the second intentional technology practice, which involves removing entertainment-based apps (toys) from the phone. The host shares her experience of realizing how excessive use of social media and games was negatively impacting her daily life, from staying up late on Instagram to feeling easily distracted throughout the day. To address this, she made the decision to delete games and social media apps from her phone. While still keeping useful apps like music and podcasts, she drew a distinction between using the phone for leisure versus using it as a tool. By doing so, she found that she had more time, experienced less distraction, and noticed improvements in her overall mood and energy. The host acknowledges that although this change requires adjusting daily routines and managing potential boredom, it is a worthwhile and doable practice that offers numerous benefits. She shares practical tips for managing moments of potential boredom, such as having a book or journal on hand or simply embracing moments of stillness and observation. She encourages listeners to consider removing toys from their phones as a means of gaining control over their screen time and reclaiming mental well-being.
