It seems so easy to put the phone down, yet I am just as guilty as the next person of going straight to my phone or laptop at any spare opportunity I have.
In the interest of health and wellbeing, here are my top reasons to put your phone down and get more out of life.
1. You can live in the present
I believe it is important to implement a personal technology detox at least once a week to help remind us to connect and engage fully with those around us and be present in the moment. I try and encourage people (myself included) to put the phone or laptop down and engage in a conversation, or just be still and reflect. Drink in what is around you – you will be so surprised how it makes you feel (once you get over the initial separation anxiety from your phone!).
2. You’ll enjoy your meals more
When you’re eating you should eat slowly and savour each mouthful. Not only will you be less likely to overeat but your digestive system will thank you- without proper chewing we are actually prone to experiencing symptoms such as bloating, as our gut has to work harder to break down larger chunks of food. Eating or drinking without checking your phone allows you to completely focus on the meal in front of you and will help you to enjoy your food and feel more satisfied once you are finished
3. You’ll reap the benefits of being completely still.
Putting the phone down gives us time to embrace stillness. I reckon stillness is the most underrated form of medicine that we have in today’s society. Sure, we may be still when we’re watching TV or reading a book, but I’m talking about real stillness, where you’re lying back or sitting in meditation and just digesting your stuff. We need to create more space in our lives to simply be still.
4. You can embrace your thoughts
There comes a point where you have to stop looking for things outside of yourself and acknowledge your feelings. If you feel something, so what! Let yourself feel it, then let it go. Don’t ignore it, feel whatever you feel and do your best not to block those feelings with mindless distractions.
5. You’ll have more time for ‘real life’ fun.
So many people say they don’t have time to exercise but will spend 30 minutes or an hour scrolling through social media on the lounge at home. I run two to three times a week, for around 20 to 30 minutes at a time. My run is always outside; it gives me a nature hit – anything to get me out in the fresh air away from buildings. I’m able to go on these runs because I put down my phone and use my time in a way that benefits me more.
Do you have anything to add to this list? SHARE with us in the comments below.
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