I Turned Off My Phone For Two Whole Days And Learned How To Be Alone
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

I Turned Off My Phone For Two Whole Days And Learned How To Be Alone

I’m not saying I have reached Nirvana just because I wasn’t on my phone, but it helped.

157
I Turned Off My Phone For Two Whole Days And Learned How To Be Alone
Negativespace

Last week, my roommate, our neighbor and I decided to go camping for spring break. I also decided to turn my phone off for the trip. Originally, it was because I didn’t want to worry about finding a place to charge it while I was at the campsite, but days before the camping trip it started giving me anxiety; I was getting notifications from every group chat and for every project. I wanted to chuck the thing into a lake.

The day of the camping trip comes and I turn my phone off and leave it in my room. Finally, some relief. Then I had to sit in the car while my roommate ran in to grab something. Nothing makes you want your phone more than having to sit alone with your thoughts, even for a minute.

Throughout the car ride, I kept checking my pockets and purse for my phone, only to have a small panic attack when it wasn’t there, followed by relief when I remembered I left it at home, followed by more panic when I realized I wouldn’t have it for two days.

When we got to the campsite, there was a post with outlets on it. I wish I brought my phone was first thought. Too late now. I was on my own.

Over the next two days I gradually got used to the missing weight in my pocket. And I became less scared of my own thoughts too. By end of the trip I had confronted every negative thought spiral without help from my phone and came out of it alive. I began to actually process the thoughts instead of running from them.

I’m not saying I have reached Nirvana just because I wasn’t on my phone, but it helped. Something about the combination of spending time with friends, being in nature, and (temporarily) throwing away my social crutch made me feel a lot better than I have in a while.

I am also not saying I am getting rid of my phone. Having a tiny computer on me at all times is too convenient to just give up. There were many times during the trip I wished I had my phone on me, whether it was to take pictures of the dying campfire or to GPS our way home when my roommate’s phone was about to die.

However, by the time we got home, I wasn’t in a hurry to turn my phone back on. I thought I would run to it immediately, but I waited until we had unloaded the car and settled in before I retrieved it. Of course, the moment I turned it on it went off with a million notifications and I was back in reality. But that just made me cherish the time apart even more.

That time gave me a chance to stay completely focused on the present and not what I need to do or what I’m missing somewhere else. And, since you are probably reading this on your phone right now, I would highly recommend turning it off for a weekend. Spend some time without that crutch and confront your mortality. It's fun, I promise.

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

Michigan Rain Vs. California Rain

Michigan rain vs. California rain (at Calvin College).

3012
Michigan Rain Vs. California Rain
ifunny

SO, I've just recently had the fortunate experience to be reminded just how Michigan rains. Now, before you roll your eyes at me, I HAVE EXPERIENCED RAIN (in regards of the the popular joke that Californians haven't). However, I have to agree; after experiencing one of Michigan's thunderstorms (with my college's sirens blaring in the background), it comes to mind just how different "rain" is between the two states:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener

Ever wanted to check out EDM music, but didn't know where to start? Look no further! Start here.

7538
21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener
www.wallpapersafari.com

If you have been following me for a long time, then you know I write about two main things: relateable articles and communication media based articles. Now, it is time for me to combine the two. For those of you that don't know, I am a radio DJ at IUP, and I DJ for a show called BPM (Beats Per Minute). It is an EDM, or electronic dance music, based show and I absolutely love it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

25580
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

10752
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

12784
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments