lesson 11: phones and how to dump 'em

i referenced this in toilet diaries, but with the launch of the iPhone 7 and a request from a friend, it seemed like a good time to address this topic. how to unplug from your devices, but stay connected. raise your hand if you have the dreaded tech-neck. you know, you actually broke good posture so you could scroll Instagram while you walk to work, or swipe left for a hot date on the subway, or just to compulsively refresh your inbox. i just raised my hand.

we're all guilty, but that's part of the problem. the expectation for instantness (new word, add it to your dictionary) in everything we do, from everyone we interact with. wouldn't you like to ease the pressure a little? live in the present? the goal is not to regress, but to embrace the future as one where we use technology efficiently and effectively, without losing our unique qualities that make us human.

what if we all made a pact to help each other take a break from our phones and tablets? maybe that's a lot to ask but i bet i bet we could do it. here are some things you could try.

1. get an alarm clock that is not your phone (yup, that means your phone doesn't need to be your bedtime partner, kissing you goodnight and waking you up in the morning)
2. read books in paper form. the kind with pages. i have an informal book sharing club going on with some friends and it's been a great way for me to feel accountable to read, but also to be excited about reading books and discussing them with friends. 
3. when you're walking, put your phone in your bag or pocket, put in earphones and listen to some tunes or a podcast, but don't be looking down at your screen. if this isn't dramatic enough for you, just put your phone away and enjoy your stroll.
4. put your phone away at social outings. yes, take your snaps and insta stories, but then put it away as a distraction. be in the moment. start small if this is hard, just try it once a week. 
5. challenge yourself to leave home without your phone. say you're running to the store or to grab a coffee. i bet, you're not going to miss anything in the span of 15 or 30 minutes. just take a deep breath, and do it. i've noticed that i'm friendlier when i'm not on my phone. i greet store clerks, or smile at people walking down the street. it's actually very freeing if you embrace it. 
6. this last one is tougher, but i challenge you to try it once in the next 6 months. go to a destination with no wifi and low (or no) cell signal. i was recently in Phoenicia (NY Catskills) where there is very bad service and no wifi, and it was so nice to just enjoy the scenery, conversation with my husband and some amazing food at the Phoenicia Diner without the interruptions of phones. 

so, my advice, is to look at your phone as a tool, not your life. let it help you, not control it. lead by example and help set the tone for your friends and family by giving these guidelines a chance. your older you will thank you. 

photo cred: jackie stauffer @ home