The other day, I was walking with a friend. He is an academic cardiologist. This translates into being busy writing books, grants, papers, having meetings, and running a successful clinical program. He also has two kids and two dogs at home. Needless to say, he is a busy guy. When walking and talking, he told me he gave up email on his phone, which was the best thing he did. So I thought, why not try giving up email on my phone.
Why He Removed Email From His Phone?
He gave up email to be more mindful during the day, particularly when home with his kids. Finding himself constantly checking his phone distracted him from life. It was the best thing he had ever done. First, he found that most issues resolved themselves by the end of the day with or without his input. Second, he was more aware at home and less tethered to his phone. He recommended I try it, and I did.
I Removed Email From My Phone On Saturday, March 11th
On March 11th, I gave up email on the phone. I also deleted all news, social media, and money-making apps, including Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Like an addict withdrawing from my constant influx of news and consistent new messages, I found myself constantly checking my now "less than smart" phone. I would daydream instead of reading the information. It is a strange feeling and one I did not expect. Still, I muscled through it, and my phone received less attention by Tuesday.
I determined I would only check email in the morning and night (like my friend). In the morning, I wake up and check my email. At night, once my family is asleep, I recheck the email. I will have between 10 to 30 messages, but none are urgent. None required my attention immediately.
Benefits Of Giving Up Email
Now I am relaxed. I am more aware of my family and less focused on my phone. I place the phone by the door and rarely pick it up when I come home.
My email is fine. Even email and comments from this site can wait. Nothing requires immediate attention. I check email and declutter it efficiently because I am not distracted by other things. My responses are more meaningful to my friends. I am just calmer.
Giving up new feeds also helps. Since I am not consuming constant information, my mind has time to rest and relax, and pursue passion projects like creating my own podcast. I can listen to the radio on the way to and from work, receiving all the news I need.
I recommend trying life without email or other distractions on the phone for 1 week. See how it feels. I promise you will not be disappointed.
