What you take away is just as important as what you add

I've found it's not just about adding tools to my toolbox that helps. But also taking away things helps just as much. Doing this creates a buffer I so sorely needed at times.

Things I've taken away:

My Apple Watch: this used to vibrate and beep on my arm and was constantly wanting my attention. So much so I started to get phantom notifications where I would I think I felt the sensation but there wasn't one. I've switched back to an analogue watch and life is so much better. I'm not having my attention pulled out of the moment and onto my watch anymore.
I've decreased my tv time. I find I've wasted so much time staring at the box. While I haven't cut it out completely I usually opt for a book instead.
Social Media: This is an obvious one. The less social media the better.
Fantasising: I used to do this a lot. Now post-psychosis I know it's not good for my mental health. I've increased my awareness of how much I fantasise and I've reduced it significantly.
Making myself unavailable with my iPhone: When my iPhone rings I don't jump to attention and answer it. Sometimes I'm like I will call that person back in 15 minutes. Just to create that buffer and to let them know I am not available 24/7.

So it's important to take away things from yourself to let more in.

As Oprah says: Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own.

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