I was listening to a podcast (on my phone) the other day. The host of the show said a recent study showed that most Americans check their phone at least 97 times a day! They found that at minimum we are on our phones five times a day. I felt attacked.
These little pocket computers we call phones have become such a huge part of our lives. I’ve stopped wearing a watch because I always have my phone. There are days I don’t open my computer because I can do so much from my phone. I also read books on my phone. So, it’s me, the whole study was apparently about me. What can I say?
Well, this all got me thinking a bit more about the whole idea of a detox. Every now and then we all need a good digital detox where we take a break from social media and the lovely interwebs. But what about taking a break from the device that gives us access to all of that – our phones? Let’s talk about the tell-tale signs that it’s time to put down your phone, shall we?
Put the phone down if…
You’re getting worked up and ready to engage with some internet trolls. Maybe you’ve even gone as far as going back and forth with someone online. You know, you gotta prove your point. They need to hear you out. They are SO wrong.
You’ve gotten lost in the phone. You look up and realize hours have passed and you’ve been stuck in the doom scroll. What else could you have been doing with that time that you will never get back?
You’re corresponding to emails from work and you’re at the point of “per my previous email”. If you feel like dropping some strong words after that opening, it might be a good time to pull back.
Your neck hurts because you’ve gone down a rabbit hole on TikTok or Instagram. That’s a good indicator that you’ve been in one spot too long, neck craned, staring at your screen.
You’re feeling the envy creep in. We hear about this all the time on Instagram that it’s merely a highlight reel. It’s easy to look at these social media platforms and feel like you don’t measure up or everyone but you has a perfect life. Don’t let it suck you in. Remember most people are posting their failures or what they look like on their worst day. Also, filters exist and people use them.
