Blog takeover! Privileged to have this blog post written by an amazing and inspiring associate of mine, Angie Hyche, CPO®. She has quite the catalog of books, podcast, and is now writing a play about clutter! (Check out the book info at the bottom of this post.) We have so much to learn from her authentic approach to life and helping others. Savor her wisdom below. Thanks, Angie!
I have a love/hate relationship with my smartphone.
As a lover of technology, I rely on it for a myriad of reasons: reminders, contact information, email, and much more. Our phones are powerful tools, but if we don’t exercise restraint, they can easily clutter our minds and cause us not to pay attention to what’s most important.
A few years ago, I finally admitted I was addicted to my phone. Like most addictions, there were serious consequences. Hours of scrolling on my phone translated into neglect of my husband, children, and extended family. Intentionally or not, when glued to my phone, I was communicating to my loved ones that my phone was more important than them.
How I wish I could turn back the clock and erase the damage.
I’m so glad I finally “came to my senses” and got serious about fighting the addiction. My phone detox required drastic steps, including no charging by the bedside, no phone use during meals, and turning off loads of notifications, among others.
I’m not alone in this battle. Phone addiction is widespread, spanning all ages, genders, and demographics. If you can relate to this struggle, I want to reassure you that it’s 100% worth every effort you make to change your habits.
Is it time for you to face the truth that you’re more plugged in than is healthy? Are you ready to take the necessary steps to unplug? I guarantee that you’ll strengthen your most important relationships. They’re the ones that really matter.
Now, Unclutter It! How Much Time Is It, Really?
Even if you don’t think you have a problem, you may be surprised, even shocked, to find out how much time you’re spending on your phone. Our smartphones are smart enough to tell us how much time we’re spending on them if we let them. You can find your average screen time per day, which apps you’ve used and for how long, how many times per day you pick up your phone, and much more. I encourage you to search for specific up to date instructions to find out these numbers on your particular smartphone. You may find it interesting to guess on these numbers beforehand.
What you do with the information is your decision. But I implore you to learn from my mistakes. Whether the numbers are higher or lower than average, you may still have a problem.
If you really want to know if this is a problem, ask your loved ones. Ask questions like, “Does my phone damage our time together?”, “Do I seem distracted by my phone?”, or “I worry I use my phone too much. Do you agree?” Then be prepared to hear the honest answer.
There is no greater gift you can give a person than your full attention. Decreasing your phone use is an excellent way to give your full attention. And your full attention will communicate your love.
If you have an iphone, here are instructions on how to set screen time limits without using additional apps.
More from the authors!
Looking for more decluttering inspiration? Then be sure to read Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most by Liana George and Angie Hyche. This 28-day devotional can help you discover the profound connection between orderliness, faith, and inner peace.
Also their podcast: Shaping your heart and home for what matters most.
