The no-device weekend

in Weekend Experiences2 years ago (edited)

I'm so excited to be making my first content in this wonderful community and my content is based on the third weekend experience engagement prompt.

What would I do if I have no computer or phone for the entire weekend?

Did you know that the fear of being without your phone is Nomophobia?

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We've gotten so addicted to our phones that the thought of being without them for a few hours or days sends us into anxiety mood. Like a drug addict who can't stay away from their drugs no matter what.

Sometimes, I wonder how this small but mighty device has come to mean so much that we cannot imagine life without it.

As regards this contest, my phone has been off from Saturday to Sunday afternoon. And guys, guess what, nothing happened, nobody died and I didn't miss anything important.

Since last week, I have been experiencing itchy eyes, with tears constantly running down my eyes, and a raging headache too. I went for a checkup, the doctor advised that I reduce my screen time. At first, when I heard I felt like the world has come to an end, excuses and reasons why I can't do it kept popping up in my head.

"I can't do that, what if I receive an emergency call?"

"What if I lose an important client because I wasn't online?"

"But I need to set up an appointment"

These excuses and more kept coming up making me feel bad, but the thing is feeling like that is totally normal, having depended on your smartphone for most things in my life, it would be usual if you felt nothing.

What I realized is that despite my having to reduce my screen time and turn off my phone for the weekend because of my itchy eyes, it is very necessary. Necessary to switch off the virtual world and be present in the physical world. All the things I was scared would limit my business didn't happen, I can always reschedule.

What are the benefits that I discovered?

  • I become more aware of my surrounding. Often, I am bent over my phone doing one thing or another and I neglect to see what is really happening around me. Without the phone, I was able to fully observe and notice some things I didn't about my environment.

  • I engaged more with people. Without my phone to distract me, I was able to be present in the discussions I has with friends.

What can you do on the no-device weekend?

  • Sleep
  • Read a book
  • Go jogging
  • Visit a friend
  • Declutter your house