“Strategist Brain” is a series in which staffers share the stores they’ve stopped into, the stuff they’ve spotted, and extra tidbits from stories they’ve worked on. You’ll hear from a different writer every week.
This is the year I’m truly going to commit to reducing my screen time long-term. I’ve made a lot of progress through trying out minimalist phones, deleting a bunch of apps, and focusing on things that keep me curious and engaged, like reading and new hobbies. It’s been more successful than I’d expected, and I’ve been enjoying all the free time I’ve gotten in return. I’ve made strides in creative-writing projects that have been collecting dust since 2023, joined a kickboxing gym, and gotten my sleep routine in order. Most of that’s been done through habit-building and pushing through the urge to re-download TikTok, but a few products have helped along the way.
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I take this bag everywhere with me. The waxed-canvas look makes it feel like a bag I’ve toted for years, and its strap is extremely comfortable. It has enough room to store my 11-inch iPad Pro, camera, notebook, and a paperback (currently: Maggie Nelson’s new book, Like Love).
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I found this pouch via r/ManyBaggers and keep it clipped to whatever sling bag I’m using at the moment. It keeps my Boox Palma e-reader (and whatever book I’m reading) always within reach.
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I got this camera off Facebook Marketplace back in 2019, and for a few years, it sat on my dresser while I relied on my iPhone. Since cutting down on my screen time, I’ve been carrying this around with me and taking more pictures while I’m with family and friends. There are newer models available, but thanks to the fresh batteries I just picked up, mine feels as good as new.
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For the first time in ten years, I’m managing all my to-do lists on paper; it’s been going great! I love this little planner because it can fit in a small pocket, the leather cover makes me feel like I’m doing something important every time I open it, and the gridded pages are handy for making lists and mapping out ideas.
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My two weeks with the Light Phone III helped me reevaluate my relationship with my phone in a way that wiping my phone of all distractions couldn’t, but I switched back to my iPhone due to all the apps I need to test gadgets for work. I’m hopeful that this e-ink smartphone — which runs a minimalist, custom version of Android — will strike the right balance. It doesn’t have the Google Play store, but you can side-load apps, so I’ve got all the basics on there, and it’s packed with all my e-books, so it’s like having an e-reader and a phone all in one.
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I used to do a lot of writing on my iPad, but once I deleted all the distracting apps off my phone — including YouTube and Bluesky — I loaded all those apps onto my tablet to limit my time on them. Pomera recently sent me its dm250 mobile writing station, which is basically a dedicated text editor in a tiny case that could fit in a small bag. Its battery lasts several days, the keys are comfortable to type on, and it keeps me focused on my writing because I can’t load it with distractions.
Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently …
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I’ve been using these concert earplugs at a bunch of shows I’ve gone to recently. Over the last few months, they’ve helped me protect my ears while seeing Foxy Shazam, Drive-By Truckers, Deer Tick, and Modest Mouse. I like the case they come in, since I can just clip it onto my keychain and not lose them in between sets.
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While I love smart alarm clocks like the Hatch Restore and Loftie, this more traditional one has been my favorite of late. It’s easy to set an alarm, and its minimal look is a nicer fit on my nightstand. It only has one alarm sound, but it’s a delightful bell chime that I haven’t gotten sick of after several months of testing it out.
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I bought these boxing gloves about a month before the pandemic started in 2020 with the hopes of picking up kickboxing. They’ve since followed me from apartment to apartment, living in the same box, taunting me for having splurged on something pricey I never used. I finally gave kickboxing a shot this year, and I’m grateful I started off with quality gear. These gloves have excellent padding and wrist support, and Hayabusa makes them in a bunch of eye-catching colors (though the purple I got seems to be discontinued).
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My current go-to water bottle, the Owala FreeSip, is not a good fit for kickboxing. Breaks between sets are quite short, and it’s a hassle to pull off a glove, grab my bottle, and drink enough water before the next set. I’ve seen a few recommendations online for bottles like this with a long straw and a cap you can yank off with your teeth, so my gloves can stay on between sets. The one I ordered hasn’t gotten here yet, but I have high hopes that it’ll be the right fit.
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I’ve made a lot of strides lately in improving my diet — no more weekly stops at Panda Express — and have been feeling a lot better for it. Milkshakes have always been my vice, though, and the separation has been painful. I found this energy drink at my local gas station, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It tastes exactly like a melted milkshake while having a fraction of the calories, and its 60 mg of caffeine help perk me up when the workday starts to lag.
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I recently started taking voice lessons after not doing anything music-related since high school. We’re going over some of the basics in music theory right now, and this app that my coach recommended has been indispensable in making it all stick. I’ve been using it to train my ear for intervals (still struggling with major and minor seconds) and give myself little pop quizzes throughout my day. Since putting this app on my home screen, things have finally started to click.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
