I am writing this as a person that used to obsess over my phone whenever bored. I used to go on my phone during dinners with family instead of conversing. I used to peruse through social media to find something entertaining instead of engaging in conversation with those next to me.

This, however, changed three years ago. The revelation came when I understood the importance of living life to the fullest; engaging in conversation is far more entertaining than remaining silent and finding amusement via an iPhone.

When we ignore our smartphones, we start to live again. I began to appreciate the things that I would often ignore when my eyes were affixed to my cellphone screen. I found myself appreciating the world around me, and just how intricate it is. I started to find pleasure through adventure, rather than living my life vicariously through Instagram posts from people who vacationed in an exotic island.

Despite still having social media, I rarely ever use my accounts anymore, and only ever look at them during the night after I have finished my day living in the present. I hate that smartphones are so dominant - particularly social media - in our lives.

Nonetheless, I challenge you to abstain from looking at your smartphone when not needed. Try and engage in conversation, rather than using your phone as a way to retreat from it. Stop living in the virtual stratosphere, and start living in reality.