One of my "side gigs" is Disagree in Harmony. My collaborator, Teri Moss, and I are working to find ways for individuals and communities to have meaningful and civil conversations about difficult topics.
To be frank, neither of us know exactly what to expect from this project. Teri and I are what you call visionaries, I think at least. Wait, let me double-check what that word means. ... "a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like." On second thought, that's probably not it. Here's the deal, we have a lot of great ideas, but we need focus. That gets me to the subject of this post, "Some Thoughts on Unplugging."
Problem 1- I can't turn off my phone because it is the only way for my kids, spouse, parents, etc., to contact me in case of an emergency.
Solution 1- Use the resources already available on your phone to create a favorites list. This list should only include the few people who realistically need to be able to contact you in case of an emergency. This is not your shopping friend who must contact you "urgently" about a shoe sale. This list is your spouse, your children, their school, your childcare provider and perhaps your parents. Notice the list does not include your employer. Being available to an employer 24/7 is an entirely different blog post that I will get to another day.
Now that you have your list, use the Do Not Disturb function on your iPhone to allow calls and messages from Favorites while your phone is on Do Not Disturb. I'm sure there is a similar feature on your Samsung. On your iPhone you can schedule your Do Not Disturb time or turn it on manually. My iPhone is now set to Do Not Disturb every day from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. I receive no notifications, text messages or calls unless it is someone on my favorites list. During your Do Not Disturb time do not carry your phone around with you. Instead make sure it is somewhere you can hear a notification or ring in the event someone on your Favorites List is trying to reach you. If you are in an important meeting, or having coffee with a friend by all means, turn on the Do Not Disturb function. If you are trying to concentrate on a work project, you guessed it- Do Not Disturb.
Problem 2- I spend too much time on social media, but canceling my accounts is not a solution because I use social media for business, planning, etc.
Solution 2- Remove the apps from your phone. If you are trying to lose weight, it doesn't make any sense to leave cupcakes throughout the house. Social media is addictive. Everyone knows that. If you want to conquer an addiction, remove triggers. Second step, schedule a time (once or twice a week) while on your computer to check group pages for events, post to your business page, check on your advertising, etc. Use social media in an intentional, controlled way.
Finally, based on my research, it is imperative that you find something else to spend your time doing rather than checking your phone or social media. I was spending at least 30 minutes each morning reviewing my social media, shopping pages, and news alerts. I am intentionally replacing that time with reading a book each morning. Maybe you can spend the time taking a walk, playing with your children, talking to your spouse, meditating, creating your to do list for the day- really the possibilities are endless.
What I know is that whatever you choose, you will be shocked at how much you can accomplish in the amount of time you devoted to social media.
Have a wonderful, joyful, peaceful day.