As we emerge out of the pandemic and life returns to ‘normal’, I have decided to take a new focus on lessons learned through our everyday experiences. I often find that the best lessons are learned through making mistakes. So join me as we muddle through life in the ongoing pandemic.

Moving from the virtual back to face to face is an ongoing balance for me.  If the world was technology orientated before, the pandemic made it more so, as socialising became digitalised for much of the last eighteen months. So when I propose to try a week without technology – impossible? I have to agree. From our mobile phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, Alexa to smart watches, our daily lives really are filled with and aided by a range of technology.

My phone in particular feels glued to my side. So maybe limiting my phone time might be a hard, but good habit to break first. Limiting screen time has been proven to have health benefits, from physical health, freeing up time, time to make social connections and boost your mood.

Challenge accepted.

As I head out for my first no phone walk my pocket feels noticeably lighter, I reach down at points to check my pocket, remembering that I have actively left it at home. A few no phone walks in and it is harder than I expected to not write a reminder, send a text, scroll the news or social media and the list goes on. But as the first week draws to a close my mind is starting to notice nature, be more present and less driven by the to-do-list of the day. I find myself quite surprised how the saying: out of sight out of mind, is relevant in the case of my phone.

I share my small change with my Mam who comments, “You know that’s normal for your Dad and I, and why we’re not glued to our phones.”

A generational divide? Maybe. But it doesn’t have to be. I am going to try to keep my experiment going and see what my new normal looks like.

A month in and while I would be lying if I said I was phone less on my lunch time walk, I did most of the time. And more importantly the without my phone I find myself feeling more present, more relaxed and most importantly less likely to reach for my phone. While these might sound small gains, I assure you I feel like I have freed my brain – even just a little from the to-do-list of life.

So what are you waiting for? I challenge you to choose a time to limit your phone time. Who know what benefits you could find?