I WENT A DAY WITHOUT MY PHONE: HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED

I assume that your phone is within a couple feet of you, if not in your hand, at any given moment. We heavily rely on technology, and cell phone usage in particular, to stay connected with friends and family, receive news updates, snap memorable photos, and secretly play Pokemon GO. But, have you ever thought what it would be like to give up your phone for a day? After I heard about the National Day of Unplugging, I was really eager to give it a try. This so-called ‘holiday’ consists of a 24 hour period from sundown to sundown, to unplug, unwind, relax and do things other than using today’s technology, electronics, and social media. Here is what happened.

THE BEGINNING

On Friday I decided to unplug. My kids were out of the house for the weekend, and I told everyone I was going to be home relaxing and that if they wanted to make plans, they’d have to in advance. As it began to get later, I knew I had to get my cell phone ready to shut down. I sat at the dinner table with my mom, aunt, and cousin–all of whom knew that this would be a huge challenge. When the alarm beeped, I powered off my cell phone and placed it on the table. My family got quiet and I remember by cousin saying, “Holy shit! She did it.” I picked it up a few times forgetting that I turned it off, but didn’t think about turning it on.

THE MIDDLE

On Saturday morning, I woke up and found it weird not to be able to check my phone for updates. I have to admit, I was a little nervous since my kids were gone and my communication was limited. Once I calmed my thoughts, I was actually feeling pretty good. I wasn’t connected. I had the freedom to look at things differently.

By the afternoon, I had taken an aromatherapy shower, played some ambient soundscapes, and laid on my bed staring into my crystal collection. It was the absolutely most tranquil moment I can remember. I didn’t feel like taking a picture of my gem to post on social media, I didn’t have to respond to texts or emails, and there was nothing that could take my time and attention away from me. It was pure bliss! I pulled out a paperback book and spent the rest of the afternoon in my recliner with my book, not phone, in hand.

TIME’S ALMOST UP!

As turn-on time approached Saturday night, I was beginning to feel a bit sad. It was because of the peace I had felt for that full 24 hours was about to be disturbed. When I turned on my cell phone, I expected to get a ton of notifications, voicemails, and messages. The reality is, I got none. I missed nothing in the 24 hours that I unplugged.

Ever since my experience, I have become a huge advocate for unplugging and I recommend that people do it at least once a month. The crazy thing is, when you are attached to your phone, you miss out on life. When you are engaged in life, you think you’re missing out on what’s going on with your phone. Choose what you’d rather miss out on wisely.

Want to unplug but have no one to unplug with? Get the Hey! VINA app now and start swiping–before you unplug, that is!