In 2022, a phone is pretty much the equivalent of an arm or a leg. It is something we will always have on us, and we cannot function without it. No matter what’s going on or where we are, we will always have our phones with us. It’s to the point we can be completely focused on our phone and walk without bumping into a single thing. The only problem is, while being so attached to our phones, we are not as present or in the moment anymore. 

How many times have you been to a dinner and there is a long period of silence because everyone is on their phone? Phones are almost a crutch to avoid human contact for most people when walking through a store. Others are more focused on recording the moment so they can post it, rather than just soaking in the actual experience.  

Enjoy life instead of relying on your phone to capture moments for you to remember after the fact. Challenge yourself to be more present. As millennials who have pretty much grown up with phones, it can be a bit of a struggle at times, but there are little things you can do to help with being more present.  

Start with turning your phone off during dinner. Ok, maybe not turning it off completely, but silence it! Put your phone on Do Not Disturb or on Airplane Mode. Start by not using your phone at all during dinner. This tip will not turn a seed into a tree overnight, but it really does make a difference. You’ll realize you actually get to enjoy your friends a lot more, enjoy your dinner more, and even see more of that episode you’re watching. You miss a lot when your phone is constantly in your face.  

Another idea is to build short breaks into your day where you don’t use your phone. Try 5 minutes during lunch where you don’t use your phone at all. You can also try not reaching for your phone until after you have finished your morning routine. These types of little breaks allow you to get used to not using your phone so much. You’d be surprised how much more you can get done and how much more “on-time” you’ll be when you set your phone down for a few minutes. 

No one is saying that the phone is the devil, but it can monopolize your attention if you allow it to. Take some of your control back! Take time to smell the roses and enjoy some sunshine rather than looking at a 5 inch LED screen. You miss a lot when you are living life through your phone.  

“Focus on staying in the moment, on being grateful for where you are today.” -S. Mcnutt 

-S|20 

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