I Went On A Phone Hiatus And It Was Liberating | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

I Went On A Phone Hiatus And It Was Liberating

I dare you to try it.

251
I Went On A Phone Hiatus And It Was Liberating
Unsplash

Just a few weeks ago, the unfamiliar and terrifying, happened to me- I got my phone stolen. Of course, my first reaction was anger, but then, I felt a wave of emptiness hit me. I had just about my whole life on my phone and I felt as though I lost a part of myself.

But throughout the next few days, I didn't have my phone glued to my hand - I felt free, different than everyone else around me. I became aware of cell-phone addiction in just about everyone.

Most of the time we cling to our phones for comfort in uncomfortable situations. Like when we walk past someone we really don't want to see. It's so easy to just pretend we're texting, but when I didn't have my phone that was not an option.

Yet, I appreciated the lack of distraction I had.

When I was on the shuttle that took me from class across campus back to my dorm, I realized that just about everyone was staring at their phones. I mean, this bus ride is only 5 minutes, and some people didn't even lift their heads up. I'm sure I do this without realizing it, but because I couldn't do it, I became aware of everyone else.

Putting your phone down is liberating.

I went out to lunch, dinner, the beach and more without my phone. And honestly, this only improved my experience. I lived in the moment so much more because I wasn't worried about Snapchatting a picture of my food or scrolling through social media as I lied down in the sand. Instead, I enjoyed the company I had and fully relaxed at the beach, taking in every moment my phone's camera couldn't.

Of course, sometimes there are times where boredom strikes, and looking at your phone might alleviate that, but I'm saying that don't view your phone as a savior. It shouldn't be such a habit to always stare at a screen.

You can enjoy life's moments sometimes a whole lot more when you don't have an excuse to pick up your phone. Sometimes I wish it was normal for people to put their phones away. Instead, they're always going off- people are sometimes more entertained by a phone's screen than what is right in front of them.

For the short few days without a phone, that feeling of emptiness quickly turned to a slight sense of freedom. I realized, that it's more important sometimes to just put your phone down and enjoy what's around you.

Despite this, I am a millennial and I do still get caught up looking at my phone screen. However, after my phone hiatus, I will try to make looking at my phone less of a habit and more of a conscious choice.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1119
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

822
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments