14 Comments
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The Bad Review of Books's avatar

Thank you for the punch cards! I’m going to try and get some meals in without my phone which is a bit tricky because of me Reddit addiction.

Chelsea's avatar

I've had social media off my phone for a couple years now but it's insane how often I check my email. I almost should put notifications back on since it would let me know to not check my email to see if new ones have arrived šŸ™ƒ I feel like we are always looking for the next shot of dopamine and I've always craved adventure but it didn't really hit me till we were at the aquarium yesterday and my oldest (4) just kept wanting to get to the next thing. I know their attention spans are shorter at this age but I very much struggle with staying in the moment and just enjoying what's in front of me instead of always chasing more.

Lizzie Campbell's avatar

Yes! I feel like I've seen first-hand my attention span shortening over the years. I used to sit and watch two or three movies in a day, now I can barely keep focused long enough to watch a 20-minute Youtube video without checking my phone 300 times. Reclaiming my attention span is really at the top of my goals list for 2026 and beyond, because it's getting just ridiculous.

Jules @ Friday Night Readers's avatar

You had me at book it and yes I did buy myself Pizza Hut when I became a Substack bestseller. šŸ•šŸ“š

Cassie's avatar

All great tips! I got a sunrise alarm clock and that’s been a game changer for me! I don’t know why but it’s so hard for me to even *consider* a walk without my headphones in, but I just know it would be really good for me and for my creativity! Definitely something I hope to implement this year - this post is help giving me the extra nudge!

Maya Laurent's avatar

Love these ideas! I have put a book where ever I normally tend to pick up my phone. By the kettle to brew tea, in the bathroom!, and right next to the bed. It's been working really well.

Carissa Lewis's avatar

Excellent guide! And the punch cards are super cute!

As for the analog trend, I think people need to ease up on it. You don't need to completely overhaul your life by purchasing a flip phone and a paper planner. I feel like utilizing the tips mentioned in this guide is enough to get most people started on an analog-ish journey!

Shelly's avatar

I am already good at a few of these - no notifications turned on! - but man do I scroll my phone while I eat! The worst!!

Linsey Robertson's avatar

Shout out to the Foqus app which essentially does what a Brick does but for free. You can configure an NFT tag (or a repurposed hotel keycard) to switch your access back on if you want a physical blocker. Works great and a game changer for me!

Celeste's avatar

Great ideas! I work in tech and grew up on the internet, so I do like being online and living in modern day. I love my grocery list/recipe app and GPS. Analog-ish is what I'm aiming for too. Highly recommend the walk without the phone as well, I started doing that late last year. Good to reduce the need to check it.

Brittany Viklund's avatar

Ohhh yessss to ā€œMake the computer a destination again.ā€ We have been preparing to get an Apple desktop computer (the colors are so fun, reminds me of the old colored ones I dreamt about as a teen!) and this makes it so much more of an intentional act p. My computer has almost replaced my phone when I’m at home, so easy to whip out mindlessly. Thanks for these!!

All The Happy magazine's avatar

Love all of these!! Finding a colorful alarm clock for my nightstand is on my shopping list. In case of emergency I still want my phone nearby but I’d like to maybe keep on the floor or in my nightstand drawer