What I Learned From Living Without a Smartphone for 30 Days

Living without a smartphone for 30 days was a truly eye-opening experience. In today’s modern world, most people are constantly using their smartphones. Whether it’s for calling, texting, browsing the internet, or using social media, our phones are always in our hands. So, I decided to challenge myself and live without one for a month. Here’s what happened.

Why I Quit My Smartphone

I quit my smartphone because I felt overwhelmed. All the distractions and notifications were making it difficult for me to focus. I also felt I was spending too much time browsing social media. I believed living without a smartphone would help me re-program my habits and view the world in a different way.

The First Couple Days Were Challenging

It was really tough at first. I would find myself reaching for my phone out of habit, only to realize it wasn't there. I didn't know how addicted I was to my smartphone until it was gone. I felt lost and anxious. It was like I had lost part of myself. I couldn't check the weather or get directions quickly. I also wasn't able to message friends in real-time. This left me with an FOMO feeling.

I Began To Observe More Around Me

Eventually, I started to see things in a clearer way. Without the distraction of a phone, I began to notice the world around me. I noticed more people, more buildings, more scenery. It was like I was waking up to the world. I heard the birds chirp and saw the hues of the sun setting. It was a nice change.

Conversations Improved

Without my phone, I had more substantial conversations. Instead of glancing at a screen, I looked people in the eye. I listened. People liked that I was present. It made me aware of how much we cut off conversations in order to check our phones. Being without a smartphone made me a better listener.

More Free Time

Living without a smartphone provided me with more leisure time. I didn't waste my time on videos and endless scrolling. I began reading books, taking walks, and engaging in other activities that I had not done recently. I even attempted journaling, which caused me to analyze my thoughts and emotions. It made my days feel longer and more productive.

Less Stress

Once the initial discomfort passed, I relaxed. Without the steady hum of notifications, my mind was quieter. I wasn't comparing myself to people on social media. I wasn't concerned with how many people liked me. I was simply existing, day by day. It lessened my anxiety and let me concentrate on the things that actually mattered.

I Found Alternatives

There were still things I had to do, so I improvised. I called and texted using a plain flip phone. I navigated with a printed map. I wrote appointments in a planner. It was antiquated, but it got the job done. It revealed to me that I didn't need to have a smartphone to make it through. I just needed to change my ways.

Some Things Were Inconvenient

Of course, the lack of a smartphone had its difficulties. I was unable to use apps for banking, ride-sharing, and food delivery. I had to plan ahead and sometimes ask for assistance from others. It made life less convenient, yet it also made me more resourceful. I had to think ahead and come up with solutions without using my phone.

Social Media Wasn't That Important

Being away from social media for 30 days revealed to me that I wasn't missing out on too much. A lot of what I saw online was dull or unnecessary. I didn't need to know what everybody was up to every other second. Being away from it helped me understand that actual life is worth more than likes and comments. It helped me re-discover myself.

Will I Go Back?

After 30 days, I'm not sure whether I will go back to using a smartphone as before. Perhaps I will use it for critical functions, but I will certainly be more cautious. I would like to retain some of the practices that I have formed during these 30 days. I don't want to be ruled by technology. I want to use it only when needed, not always.

Final Thoughts

Surviving without a smartphone for 30 days was an eye-opening experience. I was wasting so much time. It helped me concentrate, interact better with people, and appreciate life. It wasn't always simple, but it was well worth it. If you feel overwhelmed by your phone, I suggest you attempt this challenge. You may be surprised at what you discover. 

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