February 23, Issue 176 
I remember my first phone [First Name]. It was a Nokia with a sliding panel on it - immeasurably cool. I used it for making calls, occasional texting (when I could be bothered with the keypad) and plugging into my computer to use as a modem when travelling in New Zealand for a year. (If that sentence made no sense to you at all you'll have to leave the pleasure of reminiscence to those of us over 40).
The amazing thing is, this was less than 20 years ago.
My point is, when I wasn't using that phone I would forget about it. Now, my phone lies within easy reach at all times, just in case I should stumble into a spare 30 seconds of spare time and need something to get me through the crushing tedium.
I actually manage my phone pretty carefully. I rarely use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media. The only audible notifications I have are instant messaging, and I don't have even visible notifications for anything else. I actively avoid it for periods during the day and often deliberately leave the house without it.
But still, it's there, seducing me with its infinite promise of simulated 'engagement', 'excitement', 'interaction'. All those words are in quotes because its effectiveness depends on simulating the real thing. And for many of us, it has replaced the real thing. In less than 20 years, marketers have worked out how to hijack our attention, and it's really not doing us any good.
All of which goes to say why we've developed our new Smartphone Addiction.
Next, many of us have had the experience of a perfectly enjoyable job being spoiled by the shenanigans of office politics. It can be an emotional drain having to deal with it every day, so here's a little help: Dealing with Office Politics.
And the last new title this month, Mindful Eating, is to help you treat mealtimes like islands of peace in a busy day. Relaxing properly when you're eating, as well as improving your mood and health generally, will also improve your digestion. Paying attention and giving gratitude for your food will help you enjoy it more and give your body the chance to make the most of it.
So here's the quick rundown:
- Overcome Smartphone Addiction - take back control from that device that's controlling you
- Dealing with Office Politics - rise above the childishness and remain calm
- Mindful Eating - get everything you can from your food
- Upgraded: Overcome Hypochondria - an updated version of this important session
And finally, this month's free Audio Insight - How to Solve Personal Problems Using Virtual Reality. A recent study showed that using virtual reality in a particular way makes people much more effective at solving their own personal problems. The good news is, you can do the same using hypnosis. This month's free audio insight shows you how. Listen here.
To your personal development,
Mark
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