Five Things You Miss When Obsessed with Your Smartphone.

Five Things You Miss When Obsessed with Your Smartphone

Nowadays, our phones can hold our attention longer than a three-hour movie. Whether checking one of three email accounts, posting a picture of our culinary skills on Instagram, or just responding to someone’s post with an emoji, we’ve become a technology-obsessed culture. We can’t put down our phones!

But what if we’re letting more important things in life pass us by? Here are five things you miss when obsessed with your smartphone.

Real Conversation

Some people hide behind a computer screen or a phone to really talk and express themselves. It may be just a façade or we’re too afraid to show our real selves so we use our phones to show our confidence for us.

Whatever the case, we miss out on real conversation and real connection.  Talking to someone, face-to-face, we get to see them and hear their voice. It’s much different than deciphering a text message.

Family Time

Yes, they may get on your nerves, but you only have one. It’s great to make time for family. Your grandparents can offer sage advice. You get to see your brother at his first track meet.

Instead of being all about your phone, look at the people that you share a life with and get to know them.

Relaxation

You see your phone light up: incoming call. There’s a new email in your inbox. The calendar pops up as a reminder of your meeting in two days that you’re still preparing for.  News alert. I need to refresh my Instagram feed. The latest topic is trending on Twitter. There’s a picture on a fashion site you looked at 15 minutes ago that you want to stick on your Pinterest.

When your phone becomes your life, when do you have time to get away? People love the accessibility of their phone but their attachment shows that they’re always available. Instead of pouring yourself into your phone, tear away from technology for a day or two. Chill.

Self Worth

Research has shown that logging on to Facebook can diminish your self-esteem. Why? Because your life is not as grand and exciting as others; you’re not eating gelato in Italy or going to that concert with the biggest names in rock music. You’re at home; eating noodles out of a cup, watching Scandal (live tweeting the show).

We start to compare our lives to others and when it doesn’t meet the so-called “standards” of a great life, we get down on ourselves. We start to feel less than and question what is wrong with who we are. Why me? Life is so much more than looking at what others are doing. Spend some time with yourself without technology. Go to dinner alone. Take a walk around the park and enjoy nature. Learn to love you and all that you’re made of.

Enjoying the Moment

When you’re obsessed with your smartphone, you can miss out of some of the biggest moments of your life. High school graduation, your 30th birthday, a wedding proposal - you can’t enjoy the moment if you’re too preoccupied with capturing the moment with a picture or video. Forget about how many YouTube hits you’ll get or if it will somehow end up on the news and you get five seconds of fame.

Being present without the intention of hitting the picture button means experiencing the moment for what it is. Whether it be a peaceful time, hearing your baby say their very first word, to eating the best meal of your life. Everything doesn’t have to be shared. Enjoy the now. 

Beliefnet.com