Why You Should Take a Mobile Detox

It is highly likely that you spend a fair amount of time on your phone, iPad or computer. We live in a technology-driven era where millennials are relying more on the internet than anything else for their forms of communication.

It can’t help but make you think of a time when cell phones didn’t exist, where social media was obsolete. It almost reminds you of what is truly important in life. If we could survive without cell phones happily perhaps we’ve lost an important component of communicating with each other—the real, in real life connections we form with one another. This is why we propose that you take a “mobile detox”, in other words, unplug, even just for an hour, or half an hour, or take the 7-day challenge, whatever you can manage. Try to be present in your life, in the moment and without the distraction of text messages, emails, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.

Why Take a Mobile Detox?

It is not healthy to be glued to your phone 24/7, and a lot of older kids and teens are. Even babies are glued to their iPads. Social media is like waiting for social validation that is utterly unspoken and only speaks to your credibility in school. Followers, likes, posts, pictures all that stuff seems to matter. You might even find yourself looking for things to post because you are hung up on that validation. Do you ever wonder how much better it would be if that validation came in person?

What are the Gains in Taking a Mobile Detox?

Everyone needs a break from their social life. Sometimes we need breaks from certain people. You’re not missing out. It’s okay if you don’t reply right away. In the grown-up world, people are so busy with work they get back to you hours later sometimes. The constant back and forth texting with people can be unhealthy and can also distract you from important things. Maybe your parents tell you, “you are always on your phone”, and if this is the case, it is because they notice you zoning out into another land. Are phones allowed at the dinner table?

Another plus is that you will get stuff done. I’m sure your homework and chores will be complete. You might even have time to do something nice for yourself, something you’ve been putting off because you’re so caught up with your phone.

Also, there is something fun about leaving or turning off your phone only to be welcomed by a bunch of messages and notifications. When you wait for stuff it can have a more rewarding long-term effect.

There may also be someone who you are sensitive to on social media because you like them or because they hurt you. A mobile detox will be good for you, a clean healthy break. Out of sight, out of mind is a great motto and it can really help. Why look at stuff that is going to upset you? It’s also not healthy to be fixated on someone that you happen to be  creeping all the time.

What Can I Do If I Take a Mobile Detox?

You can spend time with people in real life, catch up in real life and make new memories that are captured by your heart and not by your iPhone camera. Some do say that the best moments in life are the ones that go uncaptured.

Also, what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Sometimes it is good to steer clear of all of the drama. Stay out of it and you won’t have to face any consequences or deal with any unwanted situations.

Texting can be dangerous at times, especially if we do it when we are emotional. We might say things we don’t mean. Plus there is no tone attached to a text message. Emojis are great, and a lot of fun to play around with but they don’t justify the complexity of human emotion, sentiment or intention. You want to text from your wise mind, as “wise mind presses send.” This means that you are really sure of what you mean to say and that it is appropriate because often we aren’t sure. Every action can have a consequence, and when we say things we don’t mean we often set ourselves up for negative moments.

It’s not to say that you shouldn’t use your phone, but that you should take breaks from it. It’s healthy. Give it a try and see how it pans out for you. See if you are able to get things done and do things you normally wouldn’t. The real world is not in your phone, remember that. It’s what you actually experience that matters and sure you may want to share those experiences on social media, but don’t get caught up in them. Don’t use social media to prove things to people or just to get reactions. If you are going to post, post for you. Ignore the “like” factor and just be yourself. Social media can be damaging to you if you rely on it too much or overuse it. Navigate social media wisely, and keep in mind that you can take a break at any time.

We challenge you to a 7-day mobile detox. Though that does seem hard, if you manage to do it, good for you. Even one hour is a great effort.

Have Your Say

Are you on your phone a lot? Do you think you could successfully pull off a mobile detox? Comment below.