Do the Unthinkable

Leave your phone at home for the day and see what happens.

A mere 20 years ago, no one could have imagined the ways cell phones would change the world. Today, that piece of technology is with you wherever you go. Without your phone by you side, you feel like a part of you is missing. On top of being a way to communicate with people, cell phones are now your alarm clock, calendar, and map. It allows you to track the weather, get reminders, follow your kids’ whereabouts, and do your banking. With the Internet at your fingertips, you can even get an answer to any question you have in a matter of seconds. There’s never a chance to feel bored, memorize facts, or to think creatively when you have entertainment in your hands.

While cell phones have changed the way people live, you may miss the days when you could feel free from work, reminders, and constant communication. If you’re looking for a challenge that may change your cell phone obsession, leave your phone at home for a day or a weekend and see how you feel.

Here are five reasons why you should take up the challenge.

1. Connect

When you disconnect from your phone, you’re better able to connect with people around you. Cell phones have made communication faster and more convenient, but is the communication as personal, clear, and fulfilling? Not hearing someone’s voice, seeing their facial expressions, or watching their body language can make communication confusing and ambiguous.

Don’t bring your phone with you the next time you go out with friends or spend time with family. Look each other in the eye and practice having a real conversation.

2. Recharge

Leave you phone plugged in to charge at home, so you can mentally recharge. With no distractions, reminders, or notifications constantly bombarding you, you’re able to be present in the moment, enjoy what’s going on around you, and relax from the demands of work and life.

3. Remind

You may not have constant reminders of your to-do list, but without your phone you may be reminded of what life was like before cell phones—completely doable. Yes, without a phone there may be times when you feel bored, left out, or lost, but contrary to what you may fear, you probably won’t miss out on anything important. Whatever your friends post or text can wait a day or two without the world falling apart. If you ever truly need a phone, you can always borrow a friends’.

4. Focus

Studies show that even if you’re not on your phone, you’re still distracted by it. It’s more difficult to focus because part of your brain is working hard not to pick up the phone. In addition, the phone just has to be visible (whether in your hands or sitting face down on the table in front of you) and the people you’re around feel like your phone is more important than they are.

Be present in the moment, focus on who’s around you, and concentrate on whatever task is at hand by leaving your phone at home.

5. Freedom

Even though your phone can go with you wherever you go, you’re still tied down by it. An alarming number of people have developed an addiction to their cell phone. No matter what they’re doing or where they are, they feel compelled to look at their phones to check social media or to make sure they’re not missing out on something. Technology should work for you, not control you. Take a step toward freedom from addiction by purposefully leaving the house without your phone.