Update: Ditching screens after dark led to a silly freelance mess

I stopped using any screens once the sun went down to help me sleep and think clearer for my jobs. First off, I picked up a book but dozed off and totally missed a client's urgent text. Then I got into drawing on notepads, which turned into crazy brainstorming for a gig at midnight. Woke up to find my pages full of wild lines that meant nothing. Later, I meant to type an email reply but hit record on my phone instead, sending a long, sleepy voice note. The client dug it, saying it felt personal and hired me again. Now I'm juggling no-screen time with pen and paper, and it's kinda fun but messy. Ever try a new routine that blew up in a goofy way?

2 comments

2 Comments

shah.barbara1d ago

That "silly freelance mess" you described hits home. I tried cutting screens at night too and it was a disaster at first. What worked for me was setting a strict cutoff time an hour before bed, not right at sunset. I kept a notebook by my bed for those midnight ideas, but I made myself write in full sentences, not just doodles. It forced my brain to make sense of the mess before passing out. Now the notes are actually useful the next day, and I don't miss client messages because I check them right before my cutoff.

diana_bell741d ago

Strict cutoffs never stuck for me either until I made mine physical. I leave my work phone in the truck after dinner, so it's a real trip to go get it. That extra step kills the late night urge, you know?