I did this. I took all non iOS apps off of it, except my password manager. Even the useless iOS apps are gone, pages, and the like - I mean I would never use apps like that on a phone.

I use my iPhone to READ text messages and sometimes send them, to call people, and to take pictures.

That is it.

Unfortunately, I tried removing safari, but couldn't handle it because I needed to look up phone numbers or addresses when out.

I turned it gray scale (old school photographers captured images first and processed them a few days later)

I recommend doing all of the above!