In modern society, it’s difficult to disconnect from technology. Smartphones, laptops, and computers stalk us everywhere, so we don’t even realize that we spend a large part of our day connected to the virtual world, missing out on much of the real world, the one right in front of our noses.
Our dependence on these devices is enormous, although we often don’t realize it. However, the first thing many people do when they wake up is check their phone to see what they missed while they were asleep. In fact, according to a survey conducted by researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid, 55% of Spaniards never leave their phone alone while eating, and a third even take it to the bathroom.
It goes without saying that such an “intimate” relationship with your phone isn’t healthy. That’s why you should sign up for the #justfortoday challenge, in which I propose disconnecting from your phone for just 24 hours. The results you’ll get will be, to say the least, incredible.
The benefits of disconnecting
- The mental fog clears
Our cell phones are an additional source of stress that we add to our lives, as they require us to be constantly available to respond to incoming calls and messages, keep up with social media, and check our email. Our phones require us to divide our attention, and this takes its toll on us in terms of brain fog, that feeling of being unable to concentrate. A day without a cell phone can help you regain mental clarity and agility.
Often, when you’re on your phone, you’re on autopilot. You eat while staring at your computer screen and walk around while checking your messages, missing out on everything else going on around you. That’s why, when you decide to disconnect from technology, familiar places and activities take on a different perspective—it’s as if they’re completely new because you’ll discover things you hadn’t noticed before.
- Your senses are heightened
When we’re not connected to a screen that monopolizes much of our attention, we can open ourselves up to the world. A small/big miracle happens: our senses sharpen, and you once again perceive stimuli that previously went unnoticed. This way, you can enjoy the aroma of coffee, playing with your pet, talking with your partner, or even your daily commute much more.
- Time slows down
Time is relative. When we’re enjoying ourselves, it flies by; when we’re feeling bad, it drags on forever. Oddly enough, being connected gives us the sensation that time passes more quickly. So, if you manage to spend 24 hours disconnected, you’ll realize that time begins to slow down. Suddenly, you’ll gain more time in your life and can do more things, or simply relax.
- You can stop and think
I think one of the worst problems technology has caused is our resistance to being alone with ourselves. When we’re bored, we don’t let our minds wander; we connect, we entertain ourselves. That’s why disconnecting for 24 hours will allow you time alone with yourself, so you can reflect and see what you’re doing wrong, so you can assess whether you’re on the right track or need to correct some things.
I believe that life’s most intense and memorable experiences are the simplest. In simplicity, we rediscover our essence and enjoy it. When you don’t have technology at hand to entertain you, you turn your gaze to your surroundings or your inner self and discover amazing things, simple things we forget because we live in an overly digital world.
- You feel better, much better
Cooking without rushing, surrounding yourself with the people you love, going out to explore without your phone, just you and nature—these are relaxing experiences that will make you feel better. Being connected can become a huge source of stress, so if you disconnect for a day, you can get a taste of what life would be like without that obsession with electronic devices. Just you, and the world, to enjoy without intermediaries.
As a finale, nothing beats this image, worth a thousand words, by photographer Miguel Morenatti, in which we see the younger generations taking photos, experiencing the moment through their mobile screens, while an elderly woman simply enjoys it.
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