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Ever feel like your phone is the puppet master pulling the strings of your day?
Well, it’s time for a little rebellion!
Today, let’s dive into the world of untangling from our screens and embracing the beauty of now.
Our lives are speeding by, and our phones are like time machines stealing precious moments.
How many sunsets, laughs, or serendipitous encounters have we missed in the glow of our screens?
And don’t even get me started on text messages!
They’re like the wildcard of emotions.
We’ve all been there, from the heart-fluttering good ones to the “oh no, not now” work messages right before bedtime.
It’s amazing how a text can have such a massive impact on us.
Whether relaxing on a day off or enjoying a vacation, that message can lift your spirits or bring you down.
If you’re ready, let’s dive into the amazing world of phone detox and take back those stolen moments from the digital age.
Are you prepared to pause and appreciate the present?
Let’s do this!
Turning Your Phone Off
I am trying to remember where I read this, but it was about turning your phone off at the end of the day.
Recently, I read, in the book 100 Ways to Change Your Life, author Liz Moody mentions ways to get your phone out of your bedroom.
One of the things I like most is that removing your phone from the bedroom helps you sleep!
This simple act will remove the damn computer you keep checking in bed. No more social media, news, checking email, and doing work!
Instead, you will focus on the one important thing you need: Getting more sleep!
But I know what you are thinking: What about all the “other” things you do with your phone?
It’s crazy that we never had this issue 20 or 30 years ago.
You know, carrying around a computer with you. No, not a laptop. We’re still talking about the phone here!
Instead of talking about all the wonderful things phones can do. One of which is connecting you to some epic blog content. Thanks for being here, by the way.
But I want to focus on the not-so-glamorous side of cell phones.
Returning to one simple text can truly change your life.
You Can’t Help But Look
Think about this for a minute: What happens when you get a message on your phone?
Yes, there is all the science stuff out there that discusses how cell phones can impact our brains and lead to an unhealthy dopamine release.
For example, positive messages can contribute to a feel-good sensation, while negative texts can trigger stress hormones, affecting our mood. You can read the Harvard research here or check out another study here.
But it’s so hard not to look!
It’s something that no matter how hard you try, you know there is something there. And if we take it a step further, that sound from your phone is sometimes a text.
But depending on how your phone is set up, you can get notifications (different sounds included) from applications, email, bank alerts, emergency alerts, about a hundred other things, or a phone call!
No wonder we can’t help but keep one eye on our phones!
Phone Use is Everywhere
You might think you don’t have any problems ignoring your phone. But let us stop and think about something.
So many people are constantly on their phones.
And this includes driving! (By the way, click here for a few ideas on how not to get pulled over.)
If you are at a restaurant, take a minute and look around. I bet half the people are on their phones.
And before you ask, yes, I have no problem eating alone at a restaurant.
It’s even more sad when two people who look like they’re on a date are glued to their phones.
I can’t wrap my head around this.
Imagine you’re hanging out with someone. Why not just enjoy the moment?
Although, in the past, I often found myself in this situation, I’ll change the subject.
So, whether you are on a date, having a family dinner, driving, meeting, or wasting time on social media, try to be in the moment.
You might just learn that you enjoy the conversation more than the damn notification on your social media.
A Challenge For You
At this point you agree with me or maybe you don’t believe me?
So, let’s take a minute to try something.
This is a simple challenge: The next time you hear your phone chime, DO NOT look at it.
You might need to turn your phone over so you can’t even see what the chime was.
But you have to leave your phone volume on. It’s cheating if you silence it or turn it off.
You might think that you have different tones for different notifications, so you know what the notification sound is, and that’s fine.
The idea here is not to look at your phone. Let’s see how long it lasts and what happens in your head during this “ignoring.”
Here is another fun thing I would like someone to explain.
Let’s say your phone is on vibrate. You feel it in your pocket, take it out to see, and then realize it was nothing.
What happened? The phenomenon of the phantom ring!
We can all agree on something here. It’s tough to ignore the phone.
When you hear it chime, there are a few things that happen.
The first thought might be excitement to see the message, then you are either devastated by the information (something dealing with work or other bad news), or you don’t care and wonder why you stopped everything you were doing to look.
My phone recently started to send me weekly alerts on how often I’m on my phone.
As someone who doesn’t go on social media much, I was still surprised at how often I’m on it.
By the way, I ignore the GPS times listed since I use the GPS for work and traffic daily.
According to Exploding Topics, people spend three hours and fifteen minutes on their phones. Even more surprisingly, individuals check their phones 58 times daily (and Fortune found the number is closer to 144 times)!
This brings me back to the start of this post: The one simple message can ruin your night!
More often than not, the devastating information will at least mess with you.
Why is this?
Better question: Why do people send you news via text at the worst time?
And yes, I want to know if my boss is reading this.
A Case and Point
Let’s say you have two weeks off work.
First of all, congratulations!
Since you’re reading this, you know where I would go (camping with the Rav4 and no reception!). But in this case, you are going somewhere you’ve always wanted.
And you’re excited!
Two days into your vacation, you get a text from your boss, “Come see me when you get back.“
Just reading that probably makes you cringe, but remember, you are on vacation! What the heck is up with that?
So now you can see what I’m saying: One message can ruin your vacation.
What can we do about this?
Time to Disconnect
There are a few different things you can try to fix this issue.
The first one is keeping your phone on silent.
I used to do this after getting off work from a long shift.
Honestly, I’m considering doing it again (but more to have time away from being connected. And yet another reason I love camping without reception).
As you can imagine, turning your phone off could be good and bad for you. It depends on how you approach it.
What happens when you get a message or a call you want?
That is the conundrum that you have to answer for yourself.
Another option is using your phone’s do not disturb (DND) settings. This can be great as you never have to think about it.
DND settings include turning your phone off and on when you choose.
Also, know that you can allow certain numbers (friends, family, or, if you must, work people).
I suggest only a few people that you want to hear from. Otherwise, why use DND?
The DND is something I’ve recently started using, and it’s been nice. Yes, Mum, I will always get your call or text.
This simple step might give you peace of mind.
Knowing you have time set for yourself each day could be a game changer.
Unless you like having anyone (like your boss) being able to contact you 24/7, never having time for yourself, but I digress.
Again, if my boss reads this, he might wonder who I’m talking about.
Have I mentioned it’s nice to disconnect?
So why not give it a try? You can try it for a few days to see how it goes.
You might need to use the DND setting on your phone, and you feel better overall.
You owe it to yourself to stop feeling stressed and never have time for yourself.
Remember that life is too short to be stressed all the time. And that is one of the reasons my life took a major turn a few years ago.
Turning Your Phone Off
If the constant buzz and beeps have you feeling like you’re drowning in stress, it’s time to reclaim your sanity.
And guess what?
The culprit might be within arm’s reach – your ever-present phone.
As you’ve made it to the end of this read, it’s a sign that you’re ready for change.
The solution might be simpler than you think.
Take charge by experimenting with your phone’s Do Not Disturb (DND) setting or, better yet, switch it off for a couple of hours this week.
Feel the weight lift as you disconnect.
Or better yet, try going on a vacation without your phone or in an area without reception. It’s amazing having a digital detox and spending time outdoors.
Give it a try; you might realize it’s addictive!
Try turning off your phone an hour or two before bedtime.
And here’s a challenge: Resist the urge to dive into the digital world for the first hour after you wake up.
Trust me; it’s a game-changer worth experiencing.
So, hit that off switch and let the calm settle in.
Your mind, and maybe even your soul, will thank you for it. Here’s to a more serene, phone-balanced you!
That’s all I have for you about this, but let’s keep the conversation going.
Have you ever received a notification that messed up your whole night, vacation, or weekend?
Such as the example I shared about getting a text message from your boss while on vacation (I have, sadly, more than once).
I would also love to hear your suggestions for what you do when you receive a message that ruins your day.
Let me know in the comments below!