Chapter 1: The Realization

I must admit, I'm a bit late to the conversation about notifications. While I was aware of the concept, I had yet to fully embrace it.

I had long understood that turning off notifications could enhance my concentration and overall well-being. Despite this knowledge, I hesitated to take the plunge. I also realized that those around me might not appreciate this change. The idea of having to call me for immediate responses could become a burden, prompting them to reconsider the urgency of their requests. Did they truly need an answer right away? If not, they could certainly wait.

For years, I've openly discussed my discomfort with the expectation of being instantly available. It feels contrary to human nature. The ability to reach someone without seeing or hearing them creates a disconnect. Our biology isn’t wired to adapt to such drastic shifts in communication norms.

Compounding this is my struggle with interpreting tone in text without physical cues. The anxiety of receiving a lengthy text can be overwhelming, especially when a conversation that could easily take fifteen minutes in person stretches out over hours or days. The pressure to craft the perfect response adds another layer of stress. In these situations, the expectation of rapid replies can be paralyzing.

Personally, I'm indifferent to how quickly others respond to my messages. I can go days without checking in, depending on the topic at hand. However, I recognize that many take it personally when they see me using my phone for other purposes.

The notion of constant availability is entirely a societal construct. While many dislike it, they still feel compelled to conform, often resenting those who choose to disengage.

Motivated by a desire to reclaim my time and energy, I decided to disable all notifications across my apps, save for the one that alerts me whenever my phone is unlocked. I initially thought I might revert to some notifications, but surprisingly, I haven’t.

Reflecting back, I stumbled upon a journal entry from January 19 of this year that celebrated the positive outcomes of this choice.

Turning off my notifications has been incredibly beneficial for my mental and emotional well-being. My phone usage remains roughly the same, but the guilt has dissipated. I now check messages less frequently, allowing me to interact with others on my own terms, rather than feeling obligated to respond immediately.

This simple decision has proven to be one of the best choices for my mental health. While some may still be frustrated by my slower response times, I experience far less guilt compared to when notifications loomed over me, forcing me into anxiety-driven replies. Currently, I check my texts one to three times a day, unless I'm engaged in a conversation that I can handle mentally and emotionally.

By texting on my own schedule, I have alleviated resentment from the equation, fostering more enjoyable and meaningful interactions overall.

Chapter 2: Practical Tips for Disabling Notifications

In this video, you’ll learn how to quickly disable notifications on Android devices, allowing you to regain control over your focus and reduce distractions.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on turning off app notifications on iPhones, empowering you to manage your digital environment better.