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> I’d love to hear how any of you have tackled this successfully. I’ve heard friends and coworkers share that their Apple Watch has actually made them less attached to their phones, since its functionality is more limited.

I recently started listening to audiobooks on Libby (free library app) a little over a month ago, and it's helped tremendously. I love that I can listen with airpods in while doing the dishes, doing chores around the house, or while walking. I used to be resistant to the idea of audiobooks because I read a *lot* faster than the pace of listening (even at 2x speed), but getting eye strain / pain for a few weeks pushed me towards this, and I'm very happy with this new habit. I've gone through a lot of books -- both fiction and nonfiction -- I used to think I didn't have the time for.

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I have also been resistant to audiobooks (also videos) because of reading speed! I'm most of the way through Simu Liu's book though and it has been a really positive experience!

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Simu Liu was actually in Berkeley in June for a book tour event in conversation with Jeremy Lin. I got a copy of his book at the event and was surprised by how candidly he described some of the rawer events in his life. Also was impressed later to discover that he narrated his own audiobook. 😂

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I struggle with my spacious time as well. The idea of the "soul date" resonated with me, and I want to think about how I might dip my toes into that. A whole day is not possible, but a half-day feels within reach.

I'm reminded of this 10-year-old essay that went viral and started the whole "antiwork" "movement" (not sure if having a subreddit makes it a "movement"): https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/30/the-busy-trap/

Tim Kreider wrote a follow-up this year: https://web.archive.org/web/20221031233512/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/07/opinion/work-busy-trap-millennials.html

Maybe there's something in there that hits a chord for others.

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