I did not realize how dependent on my phone I was until I tried to go a day without it. I have never considered myself addicted to social media, but this 24-hour detox made me realize just how many habits I have developed. 

Throughout the day, I experienced a heightened sense of anxiety and uneasiness. Mainly, because not having my phone on me made me feel like I was constantly forgetting or missing something important. I’ve become so used to having my phone on my person that without it, I felt lost. 

Our society lives online, and so much of the connection we feel with others is established online. Whether it’s a relatable TikTok, a text exchange in a group chat, or an important message from work, these interactions contribute to the feeling of community and connection. 

No one wants to feel disconnected, but without a phone, it is inevitable. I was afraid of missing important notifications, someone needing to get a hold of me, or missing an opportunity. 

Though it was challenging, I found it easier to prioritize my time. In the hours that I would be on my phone — when I wake up, for example — I did homework, laundry, and watched a TV instead.

My phone is a distraction when I was trying to get things done. Even if it’s just replying to a notification, it breaks my focus on the task at hand, making work take longer. 

Even when I was watching TV, I found myself more focused on the show because I wasn’t also on my phone while I was watching.

Once I was done with all the productive activities I could do with my time, I was at a loss for what to do next. Eventually, I went for a walk and worked on a sewing project that I had been putting off.

Being on my phone has taken away from the time I would be spending developing my hobbies. I find joy in sewing, but it takes effort. Scrolling is easy, addictive, and mindless– but I never get the same satisfaction from my phone that I do from sewing. 

Through this experience, I learned that I need to spend more time engaging in the hobbies that I actually enjoy and live more presently. We don’t need to disconnect entirely but rather learn how to live a balanced life without losing touch with living in the moment.

If we as a society learn to connect offline as well as online, we will live more fulfilled and productive lives.