Krankiest Resources

Whew! You made it. Take a deep breath. Your kranky thumb thanks you for taking this first step. Our goal with these resources is to empower you RE-define your relationship with your cellphone. It’s time. And, it’s more critical than you think.

To get you started we created the three resources below 1) the RE-define the Relationship (RTR) Checklist, 2) the Kranky Thumb Collective Kontract, and 3) a short Recommended Book list that will enable you to assess where you are with your cellphone and to take the first steps in redefining that relationship.

And, please remember you don’t have to take these first steps alone.

LET’S GET STARTED!

You can find all the information below in the RE-define The Relationship Checklist downloadable PDF.

1. Think about how you want to RE-define your relationship with your cellphone. Do any of these cell phone use scenarios apply to you? Check ‘em if they do.

  • I want to get a better night sleep and change if/how I use my phone while in bed before I go night night.

  • When I am getting ready to go to sleep my bed buddy and I just play on our phones and scroll through social media. I want to stop this.

  • I don’t want my cellphone to be the first thing I pick up in the morning. Sunshine before screen time!

  • I take my phone with me into the bathroom and now I have a poop phone. (This is what we call it in our house. This is different from a poopy phone. HYGIENE, folx!) I just want to poop in peace — no phone

  • I spend too much time on FB, Instagram, TikTok, X, Bluesky, YouTube (circle all those that apply) and I want to reduce my time on these social media platforms.

  • I don’t even realize when I’ve picked up my cellphone sometimes, I just find myself scrolling. 

  • When I watch TV and I’m bored, I pick up my phone and start scrolling. My TV watching pal is not happy. (Yeah, your thumb is pissed too.)

  • I don’t like being separated from my phone. I really, really don’t like it and feel like that should change.

  • Anytime I go out I take pictures of what I am doing to post on social media instead of actively participating in the moment first.

  • I not sure I know who I am without my cellphone. What do I like or not like? I keep comparing myself and my things to others.

  • ADD YOUR OWN

2. Find a friend or loved one who you trust to share these RTR actions with and ask if they will join you in working to make your thumb less kranky. If they don’t want to participate ask them if they can lovingly hold you accountable as you take the steps to redefine the relationship with your cellphone. You can also find a Kranky Friend in the Kranky Thumb Collective.

3. Pick the phone use scenario(s) you are going to address. Maybe take on one at a time. For example: If you don’t want to use your cellphone in bed, try leaving it outside of your bedroom for a night. If your phone is also your watch and or alarm clock, think about getting a wristwatch or alarm clock. (For real!)

            Here’s a list of alarm clocks: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/alarm-clocks-10786/

            Wait, there’s more: https://www.etsy.com/market/vintage_flip_clock?min=&max=25&price_bucket=1 

4. Now that you have identified the phone use scenarios, you’re going to change, write them down on the Kranky Thumb Collective Kontract and pinky swear to try! (We’re not just about thumbs here.) Use a pencil or pen (pencil is better). We want to see them. You can upload them in the Kranky Thumb Collective Discourse Group (you’ll need to sign up), or you can email them to: krankythumbcollective@gmail.com

5. Share your progress weekly with a friend or loved on and/or your Kranky Friends in the KTC Discourse Group. Remember, you don’t have to do this work alone. There are LOTS of Kranky Thumbs out there!

Wait there’s more! Because your phone is going to keep enticing you to look at it through all the notifications you receive. We are building the resources that will help with turning those notifications OFF.

6. Create phone free spaces in your home. When you are in these spaces, your bedroom or the bathroom for example, don’t take your phone in there.

7. Create phone free evenings with a friend, a pet (not cats), or a loved one. Not sure what to do then? Check out our kranky-making events!

 This is just the beginning – remember you are not alone.