5 reasons you should put down the phone and be more mindful

It seems so easy to put the phone down, yet I am just as guilty as the next person of going straight to my phone or laptop at any spare opportunity I have.

In the interest of health and wellbeing, here are my top reasons to put your phone down and get more out of life.

1. You can live in the present

I believe it is important to implement a personal technology detox at least once a week to help remind us to connect and engage fully with those around us and be present in the moment. I try and encourage people (myself included) to put the phone or laptop down and engage in a conversation, or just be still and reflect. Drink in what is around you – you will be so surprised how it makes you feel (once you get over the initial separation anxiety from your phone!).

2. You’ll enjoy your meals more

When you’re eating you should eat slowly and savour each mouthful. Not only will you be less likely to overeat but your digestive system will thank you- without proper chewing we are actually prone to experiencing symptoms such as bloating, as our gut has to work harder to break down larger chunks of food. Eating or drinking without checking your phone allows you to completely focus on the meal in front of you and will help you to enjoy your food and feel more satisfied once you are finished

3. You’ll reap the benefits of being completely still.

Putting the phone down gives us time to embrace stillness. I reckon stillness is the most underrated form of medicine that we have in today’s society. Sure, we may be still when we’re watching TV or reading a book, but I’m talking about real stillness, where you’re lying back or sitting in meditation and just digesting your stuff. We need to create more space in our lives to simply be still.

4. You can embrace your thoughts

There comes a point where you have to stop looking for things outside of yourself and acknowledge your feelings. If you feel something, so what! Let yourself feel it, then let it go. Don’t ignore it, feel whatever you feel and do your best not to block those feelings with mindless distractions.

5. You’ll have more time for ‘real life’ fun.

So many people say they don’t have time to exercise but will spend 30 minutes or an hour scrolling through social media on the lounge at home. I run two to three times a week, for around 20 to 30 minutes at a time. My run is always outside; it gives me a nature hit – anything to get me out in the fresh air away from buildings. I’m able to go on these runs because I put down my phone and use my time in a way that benefits me more.

Do you have anything to add to this list? SHARE with us in the comments below.

Main image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.

18 Comments

- - mom101628 said
  - 15 Jun 2017
    9:44 pm
I refuse to go to my devices until after tea time when everyone is in bed. Prefer one on one relationships myself.

- - Melissa89 said
  - 19 Jul 2016
    8:20 am
Fantastic tips. We are so wrapped up in our devices these days. There is so much beauty we are missing out on

- - serotonin said
  - 22 Feb 2016
    8:25 pm
When my phone had a serious and close relationship with the concrete a few months ago, I had to go without a phone for a short time. While I did miss doing my daily tasks, it wasn’t the end of the world. I enjoyed having a break and getting back to reality.

- - coastalkaryn said
  - 21 Feb 2016
    5:26 pm
I agree – it is so important to view life from the present…..

- - june11 said
  - 07 Feb 2016
    3:25 pm
Some days I don’t use my phone at all. I usually check it at some point in case I have missed any calls or messages. I have family who sometimes need help, also they check on my in hot weather. I have relatives living in country areas. We make contact on a regular basis, but not always on the same day.

- - aprilb1 said
  - 01 Feb 2016
    1:58 pm
So true, i hate when i have friends over and all they are doing is playing/doing things on their phones and not even hardly talking

- - mom93821 said
  - 30 Jan 2016
    3:25 pm
Being mindful and having balance in life is important.

- - mom74640 said
  - 29 Jan 2016
    8:36 am
Lke cr

- - mum4107 said
  - 29 Jan 2016
    5:19 am
I totally agree with this. I don’t allow phones or tablets at the dinner table.

- - cherz said
  - 28 Jan 2016
    7:44 pm
Yes this is so true.
But sadly so very many do not heed this advice, so many times when I am out and about I see people walking across a street whilst talking or texting on the phone..so many have their heads down they are in danger of being hit by a car or having a serious accident.
- mom93821 replied
  
  31 Jan 2016 , 1:05 pm
  It is such a dangerous thing to do and surely a text/call can wait!
- - rachelvk said
  - 28 Jan 2016
    7:28 pm
Oh I need my husband to read this! People are so glued to their phones they miss out on all the interesting things that are going on around them.
- mom165081 replied
  
  01 Feb 2016 , 10:30 pm
  I think this is especially true for the younger generations – my early 20’s nephews are never off their phones – even while supposedly having a conversation with those around them. So very irritating and such a bad example to younger ones – like mine!!
- - mom94125 said
  - 28 Jan 2016
    5:03 pm
it is great to just get outside and go for a walk. fresh air is beneficial even if you only get out to the patio

- - mom165081 said
  - 28 Jan 2016
    4:27 pm
You can generally get more done in your day too!
- mamavon replied
  
  28 Jan 2016 , 10:21 pm
  Yep, electronic devices seem to draw you in. You get on it for a few minutes and before you know it, you would have been on for hours.
- - mom160421 said
  - 28 Jan 2016
    4:11 pm
It seems people are not using their phones in moderation and are spending more time looking at a screen than the real life around them.

- - mom90758 said
  - 28 Jan 2016
    3:18 pm
Absolutely! Give yourself the best present ever – Time – and use your mobile phone as less as possible. There are so many people turning on so many notifications on their phone. Those “beeps” all the time are so stressful, I think! Turn out the notifications at least!