You Need To Unplug Yourself | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

You Need To Unplug Yourself

Feeling overwhelmed and like nothing is working out? Maybe the very problem lies within your hands: your phone.

30
You Need To Unplug Yourself
Eric Pickersgill

Stop.

Think for a minute.

When was the last time you took a few precious moments or even hours just for yourself? You without your friends, without your family, without music. The you without your phone. When was the last time you took a walk outside in the nice weather and held your head high breathing in the air and listening to the birds chirping instead of walking with your head bent down, listening to the latest music release? When was it? Was it ever?

I find it interesting that when our phones consist of low battery, our performance seems to be compromised as well. We go out as if our night is ruined by that number draining. We call out "Yo, does anyone have a charger?" and five hands go up.

What kind of world is this?

An artist recently did a project where he took photos and removed phones from the context of it, and its truly disturbing. Check it out if you don't believe me that we're addicted to our phones. Or even read one of my past articles expressing just how bad it's become on college campuses. We ask friends if we can meet up and "hang out" only to wind up standing or sitting next to one another, half listening, half engulfed into our phones because we'd rather be electronically connected than emotionally and socially connected.

We spend our days in this instant satisfaction type of lifestyle. If we have a question we Google it. If we want to tell a person something, we text them. If we want to take a picture, we use Snapchat and take a selfie. Think about it, there used to be avid users of dictionaries, thesauruses, telegrams, handwritten letters, and real-life messengers. There used to be polaroids, the actual polaroids people, and flash bulb cameras. Life never used to be as "satisfactory" as it is today. Yet despite the fact that we have these instant satisfaction lifestyles, we are still unsatisfied.

Why?

What's so bad about not having a phone on you 24/7? What's so bad about standing in "awkward silence" while waiting in line, or sitting on the bus? What's so bad about not posting on social media for a day? What's so bad about taking a break and investing in you instead of your "followers" that give you so much validation?

Check your intentions first. Take a break and ask yourself why you're on your phone so much. Is it because of anxiety? Depression? Loneliness? Or is it because of insecurities? Addictions? Poor social skills or something else?

I'm sorry but none of these things will improve or "magically disappear" because the internet says do this or that. They won't disappear because you're not actually working on improving them. You're feeding them and they're only getting worse. Ask yourself this question: "Could I last one day without my phone? 24 whole hours?" If you answered no, like most of you did, or lied saying "I totally could" but deep down you know five minutes in you'd automatically reach for it: then congratulations you need a reality check. You need to re-evaluate your priorities. Re-evaluate what you're truly searching for in life. Google doesn't have all the answers. Web MD basically tells you you're going to die. The amount of twitter followers will never be enough. You'll never have enough hearts on Instagram. You'll never be satisfied. So why do you keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result?? Wake up people. It's time you start addressing the issues instead of drowning them in your phones, avoiding the very people around you that can help you and be there for you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22916
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9571
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6915
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5936
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments