Nomophobia is the fear of being away from your phone and it is a master distractor! This is actually a thing. According to a recent survey, half of us would give up caffeine before we would give up our phones. So, why is this such a huge issue?

A recent study estimates we lose just over 23 minutes every time we are pulled off task: email alert, text message, a knock at the door equates. Electronic devices are everywhere and they are designed to attract our attention at every turn. This is entirely at the expense of our focus and productivity at both work and home. So what can be done about it?

Here are 5 tips to minimize the interruptions and regain control:

1. Turn off ALL notifications on your phone AND your computer.

2. Leave it behind for every meal. 

3. Stand in line and DON’T pull out your phone to mindlessly scroll.

4. Wait one hour after you wake before looking at your phone and avoid it the last hour before you sleep. 

5. Remove all unnecessary applications. (Facebook is not a necessity). You can catch up from your computer once or twice per day. 

Try it for one week and take short notes from time-to-time (in The Perfect Planner™) on how it has effected your life. After your week of increased productivity you’ll be less interested in your phone - we promise!