Life is what happens when you're looking at your smartphone. Less technology means less stress. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself.
This summer I've had limited use of my phone, but not by choice. I work at a summer camp and for the majority of the week, my phone stays in a plastic bin in the office. I can pick it up when going out for my days off, but other than that, I am phoneless. The adjustment is always hard to get used to at first, but I leave camp almost always wishing that I spent less time on my phone during the school year. Here are a few reasons why I prefer to not be constantly connected to my iPhone.
1. Better Focus
I've found that when I'm not worrying about if I should've sent that text I have more time and energy to focus on something that actually matters. I'm more productive and level-headed because I'm not constantly checking my phone. Say goodbye to multitasking. A study by Carnegie Mellon found that the distraction of an interruption, combined with the brain drain of preparing for an interruption, made test takers 20 percent dumber.
2. Less Stress
Turning off or putting down your phone is a way to distance yourself from the world and whatever you're stressed about. This approach will not make whatever you're worried about go away, but it will give you time to clear your head and approach the situation rationally.
3. Your Memories Are Your Memories
One of the downsides of social media is that it is largely motivated by wanting to make your life seem perfect and better than everyone else's. Part of going skydiving, doing a challenging hike, or traveling to a foreign country should be yours and only yours, not yours and all of your Instagram followers, Snapchat friends, or Facebook "friends."
4. Better Night's Sleep
Staring at your phone screen before you go to bed can be more harmful than you think. The bright lights turn on certain areas in your brain and trick your brain into thinking it's not time to go to sleep yet. These lights also halt the secretion of melatonin, a main factor in causing the human body to fall into sleep. For a deeper scientific explanation, check out this video.
5. Increased Satisfaction
I can only speak from personal experience, but I generally find that I am happier the less time I spend on my phone. This change could be because I am having more meaningful interactions with people and feeling less stressed.
6. Less Wrinkles
So I kind of made this one up, but I was thinking along the lines of if you're squinting at your phone screen less, then you will have less eye wrinkles. Not necessarily scientifically proven.
7. Increased Engagement With the People Around You
This one is obvious. When you're not preoccupied with looking at something on your phone you're more likely to actually listen to someone who's having a conversation with you. Oh, and it's also rude to be on your phone while talking to someone.
8. You Really Can Do Without It
Whatever it is, it can wait. If you're thinking you need your phone to communicate with people about plans to hangout, there is an easy solution. Do it the old fashioned way and set a time and place while using your phone and then turn your phone off. The world will not end if you do not let everyone know what you're doing this summer.
9. No Headaches
Looking at a screen for too much time can cause headaches. Too much screen time can also cause damage to your brain. Less screen time also means that you can be more active. Swap sitting on the couch with your phone for a walk around the block with a friend.
10. You'll See More
You'd be surprised at what you will notice when you're not looking at your phone. Next time you're walking somewhere, keep your head up instead of glued to your smartphone and you'll be glad you did.
If you think you need some help with using your phone less, you can download this app called BreakFree. Oh the irony.
