Ever Felt Like a Slave to Your Notifications?
A few years ago, I dreaded checking my phone every minute.
Today, I am notification-sober.
How?
By setting boundaries for my digital life.
On the second date with my (now) fiancé, we went to climb the hills of Barcelona.
It was a romantic walk: him, me...
and all the constant work notifications on my phone 😵
It buzzed up every minute with a Slack message or an email.
People were asking things from me - all urgently.
And I had to respond. Couldn't leave them waiting.
Are you familiar with this experience? When all the messages keep coming at the worst moment.
It was supposed to be our time, and not shared with colleagues, clients, or anyone else.
So I did what every over-dramatic person would do: I deleted my Mail and Slack on the spot, and put my phone into "Do Not Disturb" mode. And just forgot about it for the rest of the day 🧘♂️
It's been more than 5 years since then, and my phone is still unavailable to anyone except my mum, boyfriend, and two friends. It goes straight to voicemail.
I downloaded Mail and Slack again, but the apps are hidden in a folder, with all notifications turned off (even the little red dot).
So I can choose when to open them.
I'm not behaving reactively anymore to others' agenda.
Instead, I choose when to respond.
And I do respond, I promise, just not on the spot.
"Do Not Disturb" mode is the best invention since the selfie camera! 😜
So use it generously!
Because taking back the control over your availability is freakin' liberating.