The Challenges and Joys of Unplugging Your Cellphone

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We have to admit most of us if not all of us are too dependent on our cellphones. Why not? Cellphones have evolved to do more than just receive and make calls. You can do so much more from texting to sending emails, pictures, videos and music. It is also a camera, a voice recorder, a data bank, a map, an Ebook, a radio, a portable TV and movie player. Being able to do all these at the palm of your hand, most people cannot imagine a day without their cellphones.

But believe it or not, even with its many uses, being dependent on your cellphone has its disadvantages. It can be the cause of stress and frustration without you being aware of it. Some psychologists recommend that their clients to turn off their cellphones for a whole day or at least a few hours of the day to give time to meditate and reflect on their lives. Doing this can make you see the things you neglect during the times your cellphone is online.

Many people who shut their cellphones for the first time for a long period of time suffer from a temporary anxiety attack. They worry that they may miss an important email, text or call from work. Of course this is done after office hours or during break time so there shouldn’t be any reason to worry about these. This temporary anxiety is due to a sense of dependence to the gadget just like an addiction that is hard to break.

Silence is very rare these days and many people today do not realize the importance of silence in attaining peace of mind. Turning off your cellphone lets you know that you won’t be disturbed by beeps or rings that will make you get on your feet and do something. If your phone is off, you can have an uninterrupted nap or sleep. Many people are deprived of their much needed rest because their phones are still online and ready to use.

Lastly, when you get used to turning off your cellphone for a couple of hours within the day, you will find that you can do other more productive things with your time rather than be stuck texting, sending emails or calling with your cellphone all day. You get to spend time talking and being with people whom you usually ignore or take for granted when your phone is on. You get to experience life as it happens and appreciate the things around you more.

I know it can be a challenge switching your cellphone off, especially if your work depends on it. But if you wake up in the morning and your cellphone is the first thing you look for, then you have a problem there. You need to realize that a cellphone is something that is meant to make our lives easier and not meant to tear us apart from the things that really matter and make us happy. Learn to balance your real world and virtual life. Know your limits and be willing to shut that thing off when the people you love need you to be around.

Categories Challenges

Tags addiction cellphones control dependent digital world peace silence

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