Universal Notebook

So, just over a week using a basic hand set but began to miss a number of functions from my smart phone (HTC cha cha). 

• -camera and photo editor
• -tumblr upload
• -twitter
• -MP3
• -GPS
• -Mobile evernote.

Like a guilty crack head blowing an Alsatian for a dog biscuit I re-booted my smart phone. However, in its absence I came to realised I have more control over my use of the internet than I gave myself credit for. 

With my aim to minimise my distractions I found myself carrying a separate note book, mp3, camera and mobile hand set I seemed a bit laden down with stuff. I understand with any change there is a bit of trade off, but this seemed a bit drastic and impractical. 

Over the past week I now have set up good routines for internet activity using my laptop using stayfocusd on Google chrome. This showed me I only need to access site such as facebook and twitter for a maximum of 20 mins a day. I also find that my laptop does useful things without access to the internet. With this in mind, could the same regulation be use to maximise the creative use of a smart phone while dealing with the need of valuation from social network sites and email. 

Set aside an hour a day to and restrict bulk email and social network activity to laptop/pc.

Doing this mean you actually have something to check rather than hoping that some one has emailed or liked that post or blog. Also, your attention is more focused on the day in hand, that thing in front of you that want it or not needs attention. Additionally, your social networks will learn that you are actually taking time to focus what they have sent you, rather than that fleeting reply while sat on the shitter. 

Uninstall unnecessary apps on the smart phone.

Look at what is actually used on the phone, what is needed. Removing apps will speed up the hardware providing more resource on the device to do what you need it to. 

Turn auto syncing and notifications off.

This will reduce distraction and save battery. Most essential apps will sync on opening if not having to tap a manual sync button is not that strenuous. 

Leave Smart phone behind.

Try to spend time without the device e.g. leaving it at home when out or in another room when needing some disconnection time at home. If anything is important people will leave a message or god forbid actually visits you. 

This list is not exhaustive and may not fit everyone. Additionally, you may come up with some other great tips, if so please leave a comment. 

Do I feel I have broken my addiction? In a word no. As for me I was not addicted I just found myself at a point in my life where I needed distraction and valuation as was not getting from certain areas of my world. I feel this is a question we all must ask from time to time. What I have accomplished is a fresh recognition on how to focus my use of technology to help me create and grow as a human being. 

We have to remember we are not machines, and don’t need machines to connect, however this does not mean we have to deny technology for humanity we just have to be techno-telligent (copyright) and create a social awareness that we control technology rather than it control us.