Since I moved to a small town, I've started taking out my airpods when grocery shopping because I noticed the older people here think it's rude (totally fair, it is pretty rude). I've noticed a significant change in the interactions I have with other people, and it's made doing groceries a much better experience!!
Great idea for airpods/headphone. i mainly use them for walking the dogs. but yes, it blocks the city or nature's noises.
in 2024, I stopped entering elevators with my phone in hand, so I can say hi to people and if possible, be free to engage a short chat. Being accessible to others is important. Aren't we living in a society, as George would scream in Seinfeld??
Furthermore, it seems no one can walk without looking at his/her phone. no one is that busy, come on...
Totally agree with you. There’s nothing wrong per se with using your phone or airpods anytime but it’s gotten a bit excessive. Elevators are another great example where we need to be more accessible. Another one is doctors offices waiting rooms. Old people always say hello when they arrive and sit down 🥹 younger people never do it but we can bring it back!
This was a great read, thank you for sharing! Three months ago I deleted all form of short content form social media from my phone and my mental health and productivity increased tremendously. I’ve been writing more than ever, have more time to do things I haven’t done in such a long time, and can spend more time with family and friends. But I definitely have apps and other technology that make my life a thousand times easier. When I feel like checking my socials once in a while I’ll use it on my computer for a bit but now I feel like going less and less.
I loved this so much and it echoes with some of the resolutions I have. I’ve never thought about switching off my phone on Sundays but I think I’ll try this.
I must confess that I took screenshots of some parts of this post to share on my WhatsApp status. I did this for the exact same reasons you mentioned.
Yes yes yes to all of this. As a person who feels a bit exhausted from being connected all the time (starting with AIM and MySpace over 20 years ago!) disconnecting in little ways like removing AirPods on walks is such a gift. I live in a relatively warm climate in Canada and something I just cannot get over is the fact that the birds sing here YEAR ROUND. I’m soaking up as much of that as I can when I’m outside. Love that you’re doing something similar.
Totally agree with the birds 🐦 you hear soooo many birds when you actually listen. It’s hilarious how with every passing year you become more and more interested in birds 🤣
Thanks for sharing Caoilainn :) I was writing my own 2025 resolutions (better late than never) when I came across your piece, talk about good timing! I was thinking about being more present in 2025. I also feel that constantly being on my phone or listening to music often prevents me from absorbing the energy around us, like when I don't even make eye contact with strangers on the u-bahn. At the very least some funny stories and inspiration may come from this as I'll try to be more active in noticing the stories unfolding around us 🦭
Resisting the urge to pull out our phones every time we see something beautiful to share is such a great point. It’s still tempting at times, but I’ve been working on it—trying to stay present and keep those memories in my head instead of on my phone. And if it doesn’t always work, that’s okay too—there’s something beautiful about the fleeting moments we can’t capture.
I also tried cutting back on my AirPods after reading about it in an article. During my lunch break, I stepped outside but quickly had to put them back in because the noise was unbearable! 😅 Still, I see the value in not using them in calmer places or around others, to feel more connected. Thanks for the reminder.
Good luck with your half-marathon! I ran one last year using a training program and an app. But after finishing the race, I dropped it all. Running had started to feel like a chore—something I had to “work” at to hit goals—which really drained the joy out of it for me. I truly believe anyone who’s fit and runs regularly can complete a half-marathon (though maybe not under two hours). For me, going forward, I’ve decided to prioritise consistency and enjoyment over rigid goals. I hope you won’t feel the same way I did and look forward to hearing how the app worked for you in the end!
love this post! i'm going to start using my app/website blockers more frequently this year, dumb down my phone, and let myself be surprised (by what's in stock at a store/on the menu at a restaurant/etc) by things more this year, as opposed to always knowing in advance :)
Oh I loved this!! Switching your phone off at concerts seems like a no-brainer now that I've read this. Post-Eras Tour, I had friends begging me to send them videos and I hadn't even taken one! And I love the thoughtful note you make about apps that ARE beneficial.
Going to be starting the year with an Instagram break, personally, and I'll definitely be doing the no headphones thing.
I remember thinking about all the videos I have from Fearless, Speak Now, etc. etc. that I’ve genuinely looked at once (on the train rides home!) and never again 😂
Love this! Very much in line with my thinking for 2025, particularly allowing for silence more. I love listening to podcasts when doing any kind of chore or just when alone at home, but I'm aiming to allow myself thinking time more because I know that's when I have ideas for my writing and research. I like your idea of switching off your phone on Sundays; I have had my phone off most days over the holidays and it has been bliss 😊
I stopped going to concerts because I'm tired of seeing a sea of phones. It's really horrible! It's okay to take one or two photos, but people these days record the whole concert. I remember one concert I went to before the pandemic with my sister. It was a Turkish singer in Berlin. After one song, he told everyone to put their phones away and be in the moment. It was funny, but it only lasted one song, and people started recording again! I mean, what the heck?
The airpod thing!!! I am a fellow 'just pretending to be here' human, and often when I notice I am talked to I pull out the earbud and say 'Sorry, I was just pretending to be a social human' before asking to repeat. I also noticed I can't listen to audiobooks when I am grocery shopping because I think over my book and don't really listen. Fascinating habits all around XD
Since I moved to a small town, I've started taking out my airpods when grocery shopping because I noticed the older people here think it's rude (totally fair, it is pretty rude). I've noticed a significant change in the interactions I have with other people, and it's made doing groceries a much better experience!!
Love that, Karlijn!
Great idea for airpods/headphone. i mainly use them for walking the dogs. but yes, it blocks the city or nature's noises.
in 2024, I stopped entering elevators with my phone in hand, so I can say hi to people and if possible, be free to engage a short chat. Being accessible to others is important. Aren't we living in a society, as George would scream in Seinfeld??
Furthermore, it seems no one can walk without looking at his/her phone. no one is that busy, come on...
Totally agree with you. There’s nothing wrong per se with using your phone or airpods anytime but it’s gotten a bit excessive. Elevators are another great example where we need to be more accessible. Another one is doctors offices waiting rooms. Old people always say hello when they arrive and sit down 🥹 younger people never do it but we can bring it back!
This was a great read, thank you for sharing! Three months ago I deleted all form of short content form social media from my phone and my mental health and productivity increased tremendously. I’ve been writing more than ever, have more time to do things I haven’t done in such a long time, and can spend more time with family and friends. But I definitely have apps and other technology that make my life a thousand times easier. When I feel like checking my socials once in a while I’ll use it on my computer for a bit but now I feel like going less and less.
I think deleting as many phone apps is the way to go - I actually also want to do that with Substack. It's fun to make things "desktop" activities!
Agree with concerts. Before social media you’d buy the tshirt as proof.
I loved this so much and it echoes with some of the resolutions I have. I’ve never thought about switching off my phone on Sundays but I think I’ll try this.
I must confess that I took screenshots of some parts of this post to share on my WhatsApp status. I did this for the exact same reasons you mentioned.
Yes yes yes to all of this. As a person who feels a bit exhausted from being connected all the time (starting with AIM and MySpace over 20 years ago!) disconnecting in little ways like removing AirPods on walks is such a gift. I live in a relatively warm climate in Canada and something I just cannot get over is the fact that the birds sing here YEAR ROUND. I’m soaking up as much of that as I can when I’m outside. Love that you’re doing something similar.
Totally agree with the birds 🐦 you hear soooo many birds when you actually listen. It’s hilarious how with every passing year you become more and more interested in birds 🤣
Thanks for sharing Caoilainn :) I was writing my own 2025 resolutions (better late than never) when I came across your piece, talk about good timing! I was thinking about being more present in 2025. I also feel that constantly being on my phone or listening to music often prevents me from absorbing the energy around us, like when I don't even make eye contact with strangers on the u-bahn. At the very least some funny stories and inspiration may come from this as I'll try to be more active in noticing the stories unfolding around us 🦭
Thanks for sharing—I love that list!
Resisting the urge to pull out our phones every time we see something beautiful to share is such a great point. It’s still tempting at times, but I’ve been working on it—trying to stay present and keep those memories in my head instead of on my phone. And if it doesn’t always work, that’s okay too—there’s something beautiful about the fleeting moments we can’t capture.
I also tried cutting back on my AirPods after reading about it in an article. During my lunch break, I stepped outside but quickly had to put them back in because the noise was unbearable! 😅 Still, I see the value in not using them in calmer places or around others, to feel more connected. Thanks for the reminder.
Good luck with your half-marathon! I ran one last year using a training program and an app. But after finishing the race, I dropped it all. Running had started to feel like a chore—something I had to “work” at to hit goals—which really drained the joy out of it for me. I truly believe anyone who’s fit and runs regularly can complete a half-marathon (though maybe not under two hours). For me, going forward, I’ve decided to prioritise consistency and enjoyment over rigid goals. I hope you won’t feel the same way I did and look forward to hearing how the app worked for you in the end!
Happy New Year!
love this post! i'm going to start using my app/website blockers more frequently this year, dumb down my phone, and let myself be surprised (by what's in stock at a store/on the menu at a restaurant/etc) by things more this year, as opposed to always knowing in advance :)
Absolutely love not checking the restaurant menu beforehand!! That’s another major one!!
LOVE the no phone at concerts rule. I think I'll adopt that this year as well :)
Yayyy happy to hear that Andrea 🙏🏻
If you’re doing the Berlin half marathon I’m down to sign up too !!
Not running Berlin this year, although I did that one in 2022 and it was amazing!!
Oh I loved this!! Switching your phone off at concerts seems like a no-brainer now that I've read this. Post-Eras Tour, I had friends begging me to send them videos and I hadn't even taken one! And I love the thoughtful note you make about apps that ARE beneficial.
Going to be starting the year with an Instagram break, personally, and I'll definitely be doing the no headphones thing.
OMG you will smash your Instagram goal this year if you managed to go to the Eras tour and not take a video - amazing self restraint!
I remember thinking about all the videos I have from Fearless, Speak Now, etc. etc. that I’ve genuinely looked at once (on the train rides home!) and never again 😂
Love this! Very much in line with my thinking for 2025, particularly allowing for silence more. I love listening to podcasts when doing any kind of chore or just when alone at home, but I'm aiming to allow myself thinking time more because I know that's when I have ideas for my writing and research. I like your idea of switching off your phone on Sundays; I have had my phone off most days over the holidays and it has been bliss 😊
That sounds amazing, Kate! I think having time for your mind to wander is so, so important - it truly is where the magic happens.
I stopped going to concerts because I'm tired of seeing a sea of phones. It's really horrible! It's okay to take one or two photos, but people these days record the whole concert. I remember one concert I went to before the pandemic with my sister. It was a Turkish singer in Berlin. After one song, he told everyone to put their phones away and be in the moment. It was funny, but it only lasted one song, and people started recording again! I mean, what the heck?
The airpod thing!!! I am a fellow 'just pretending to be here' human, and often when I notice I am talked to I pull out the earbud and say 'Sorry, I was just pretending to be a social human' before asking to repeat. I also noticed I can't listen to audiobooks when I am grocery shopping because I think over my book and don't really listen. Fascinating habits all around XD