Stop Giving Your Phone Your BEST Attention | Ruby Ryba (EP472)

Our attention is one of our most finite resources - and just as we consider what deserves space in our homes, we should also be considering what deserves space in our minds, our days and our relationships.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ruby Ryba, author of How to Stop Scrolling, for a conversation that goes beyond the typical “we’re all on our phones too much” advice. Instead, we explore what it looks like to become more intentional about where our attention is going in the first place.

We talk about why simply knowing we scroll too much usually isn’t enough to change our behavior, what we lose when every quiet or uncomfortable moment gets filled with input, and why boredom and empty space may actually be worth protecting. Ruby also shares practical ways to create healthier digital boundaries without demonizing technology or pretending we can simply throw our phones away.

This isn’t about using your phone perfectly - or even necessarily using it less. It’s about recognizing that our attention has value and becoming more intentional about where we choose to spend it.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube Channel
• Diane's Resource: App: ReThink (Pause Before You Buy) Use code MINIMALIST for 10% off in the app
• Previous Episode: Your Phone Doesn't Belong in Your Bedroom (Here's Why) | Emily Bryne (Bonus Episode)
• Previous Episode: The Attention Problem: Why Screen Time Isn’t the Real Issue | @OliviaUnplugged (EP466)
• Previous Episode: What We Lose (and Reclaim) When We Put Down Our Phones | Frank Possemato (EP433)
• Previous Episode: Reset Your Relationship with Your Phone | Joey Odom (EP345)
• Brick
• Book: Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again
• Ruby's Resource: Libby app
• Connect with Ruby:
• Website
• Book: How to Stop Scrolling: A clear path from phone dependency to digital empowerment

About Ruby |

Ruby is a Columbia trained Statistician and former New York City high school math teacher. Her background and training along with her personal interest in psychology, have shaped her research and writing interest: the intersection of optimization, habits, and intentionality. She is the author of the book, How to Stop Scrolling, which is available in paperback, kindle and audiobook. You can find her book, blog, and weekly newsletter The Scroll Shift, on he