Challenge #6 - Remove Distractions

Do have trouble focusing? When you try to pray, does it feel like you have 1,000 distractions? When you start to pray, does your mind start to wander? We challenge you to be intentional about managing those distractions. While there are different things in our lives that call for our attention, cell phones are one of the biggest sources of distraction.

Cell phones, as we have them today, have only been around since the turn of the millennium. No other humans alive have ever had instant access to information like we have today. No other time in history have we had the ability to digitally connect with others. As a human race, we are still discovering the best ways of using cell phones. At this point, many of us need a cell phone like we do a car or other form of transportation. Similar to how seat belts make cars safer, what are some safeguards that we should consider when it comes to cell phone use? Here are some ideas that can help us use cell phones in the best possible way. Some of these ideas are habits that we can incorporate into our daily lives. Others are one-time experiences that remind us we control our technology and not the other way around.

Don’t look at your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning.
Completely turn off notifications from Social Media apps.
For times of prayer, silence your cell phone.
Take an hour break from technology every night.
When eating with family or friends, leave your phone behind.
Go on a retreat without your cell phone at all.
Purchase a cell phone with limited features.

One of the huge benefits of having a cell phone is the ability to contact others in case of an emergency. Part of using cell phones in a healthy way is understanding how to “silence” your phone while still allowing emergency calls and messages to break through. It is vital to know how to turn off unnecessary notifications while allowing urgent ones to filter through. This ability gives a sense of peace and security. Each cell phone is different, but it is worth learning how to use these features. This will stop the relentless bombardment of notifications and information. We can win the war of attention and help us remain focused on listening to God — without distractions.

Screen Time for iPhone

➡️ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-screen-time-for-yourself-iphb0c7313c9/ios

Here is an introduction to “Screen Time” for iPhone. Here, Apple explains different tools and features their phones have to help you be less distracted.

Digital Wellbeing for Android Phones

➡️ https://www.android.com/digital-wellbeing/

Similar to Apple iPhones, Android smartphones have similar features that help you manage the amount of time you are on your phone and notifications.