Today I wanted to continue the conversation I started a couple of weeks back — my journey to becoming as screen-free as possible and doing everything I can to break my cell phone addiction.
The iPhone has been around for almost two decades now. And while it promised to make our lives easier, simpler, and more streamlined… most of us can admit it’s done the opposite. Instead of peace, it’s brought distraction and addiction.
I’m not ready (yet!) to give up my iPhone for a dumb phone, but I have taken major steps to treat my smartphone like a “dumb phone.” And honestly? It’s been great.
Are Smartphones Actually Essential? 🌱
No! It turns out you can do 90% of what you want and need to do from either your computer or using a pen and paper. Here’s what I deleted, and how I work around it, like it’s 1995 again.
What I Deleted 🚫📲
- Email app → now only on my laptop.
- Social media apps → computer only
- Shopping apps (Amazon, Target, etc.) → computer only.
- Safari/internet → no more “urgent” random searches while waiting or out of boredom.
- Notifications → completely off, no buzzing or banners.
- Period tracker app → ended a 12-year Clue subscription, now back to pen + paper.
- Reminders app → switched to an old-fashioned grocery list pad.
The Grayscale Trick 🎨
Turning my screen black-and-white was surprisingly powerful. Without bright colors calling my attention, my phone instantly became less appealing.
Pro tip: set a shortcut so you can toggle grayscale on/off quickly when you do need color.
Everyday Changes That Work
- 📋 Paper grocery lists → no juggling phone + kids + cart.
- 📷 Camera instead of phone → imperfect but nostalgic photos.
- ⌚️Wearing an actual wrist watch → means I don’t need to tap my phone to check the time.
- 🛍 Print return QR codes → no phone needed at stores.
- 🚗 Leave phone in the car → errands feel simpler, less distracted.
- 📞 At home, the phone lives in one spot → like a house phone by the coffee maker.
- 📵 No phone before 7:00 a.m. → could honestly be pushed even later in the morning.
- 💻 Emails, online shopping, online browsing → from a computer only.
- 🎨 Grayscale turned on → makes the phone much less appealing.
- 🔕 Zero notifications. If I want to know, I have to go look. But only at the designated times.
“WHAT IF THERE’S AN EMERGENCY?!” 🚑
- True emergencies are rare.
- Most people around me have phones.
- The “what if?” panic isn’t worth the constant distraction.
Where I’m Still Using My Phone
- Calls and texts, obviously.
- Calendar, if I need to pull it up on the go.
- FaceTime with grandparents.
- Podcasts and audiobooks, always.
- Apple Maps
- A workout app (still deciding if I’ll swap this for paper).
Shabbat Reset 🌙✨
Every Friday night to Saturday night, my husband and I put away phones and computers completely. A full 25-hour break. It’s grounding, restful, and resets my relationship with technology every week.
Closing Thoughts 💭
This journey has been very freeing. I’m treating my phone mostly like a phone — not a handheld computer — and it feels good.
I even met another mom recently who switched to a flip phone! Seeing her happy and at peace with that decision was so encouraging.
Maybe one day I’ll take the plunge, too. But for now, this halfway step has already changed my life and how my kids see me. And that’s worth it.
👉 Have you tried scaling back your phone use? Would you ever trade in your iPhone for a flip phone? I’d love to hear your thoughts.