Five ways to use your cell phone to unplug from the internet
There’s no denying that the internet has dramatically changed the way we live. From automation to innovation, just about everything we do in some way involves the internet. And as much as the world wide web is present in our daily lives, it can also affect our lives offline. The constant notifications, updates and the addictive appeal of online content can be overwhelming.
While being connected is essential, it’s also important to have a life offline as well. Peace, calm and a sense of well-being are important for us as human beings. So, what better way to disconnect from the internet than with a device that has also dramatically changed our lives: the cell phone.
Unplugging and reclaiming your headspace can have huge benefits for well-being. Your cell phone can be a powerful tool to help disconnect from the digital world.
Here are some great ways you can utilize your cell phone to, ironically, unplug from all things online.
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Well-being reminders
You can create mindful (and automated) habits via your cell phone with features designed to improve your well-being. Facilitate healthier offline practices with built-in cell phone features such as screentime reminders, app time limitations (looking at you, social media) and reminders to take breaks so you can put your phone down and breathe. It’s your life after all — take control of it.
Health and fitness apps
There are hundreds of exercise and healthy eating apps available on your smart devices, many of which can be accessed offline. It could be a reminder to take some time to relax and breathe, or an offline app that takes you through exercise routines that support your health goals. If you like meditation or yoga, there are hundreds — if not thousands — of apps. It’s amazing what’s available.
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E-books and audiobooks
Reading is one of the most fundamental ways a person can improve their well-being. Not only are you expanding your cognitive skills — from critical thinking to comprehension — but also indulging in a solitary activity for yourself, which can be essential for the mind and body balance. Take time off social media to listen to compelling audio narratives, read something fascinating about history or tech, or pick up a literary classic.
Get creative
Do you know what cell phones do equally as well as connecting you to the internet? They also take amazing photos. Tech giants like Apple and Samsung have invested in image capturing and editing technology for their devices, and you can reap the benefits without having to connect to the web. There are also plenty of writing apps that you can access without using the web, so you can jot down your thoughts or write an entire novel. Also, there are more than a few sketch apps that only require the power of your device — and your creativity.
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Give someone a call
That’s right, you can use your cell phone for what it was originally created for: calling people. It sounds so simple, but picking up the phone can nurture those meaningful connections we may have forgotten about in our modern lives. Because we are so accustomed to texting and watching videos, being offline can feel a little lonely, which in turn can create stress. There’s something to be said about hearing a loved one’s voice. Unplug from the internet and call someone just to say “hi.”
Since technology and the internet have created a world with less human interaction, we need to set aside time to unplug and appreciate a little bit of stress-free peace. And what better way to embrace disconnecting from the internet than by utilizing the very thing that connects you to it.
—By Robbie Imes
