In 2012, an iPhone fell into my hands. This smart technology seemed like the entrance to only fun and positive things like chatting with friends and blogging.
However, seven years later, I had become horribly limited to it. Recent reports show thatI'm not alone. According to a study, the average American spends five hours a day on smart devices and about 2.5 of those hours are spent on social, messaging, media and entertainment apps.
It's hard to explain when the love and joy I felt for my iPhone turned into a dependency. I fell asleep to my phone every night and woke to it each morning. I checked the weather app every morning before I chose how to dress for the day. I used it to help me find my way through a city I should know well enough on my own. I updated my email box every time I picked my phone up.
Just like with any addiction, my phone dependency began to influence my life. While spending time with family, I'd stare into a small screen on my lap instead of being involved in communicating with my loved ones. At work, my productivity levels dropped. And then, my four-year relationship came to an end. Eventually, I was left with years of memories and a mobile phone that couldn't provide enjoyable company across a dinner table, share in the joys of experiencing a concert or kiss me goodnight before bed.
Now, I move through life with more purpose and intention. I've cut back on carelessly giving away my limited time and attention to my phone. Instead, I focus my efforts on being as present as possible. Truly training the mind to stay present is a long and challenging road, but it's important to start somewhere.
I hope you'll take a deep look at your own phone habits and reevaluate how important a role you are letting it play in your life. Whether or not you've reached a place in your life where your screen time feels problematic, there's no harm in mindfully giving your current practices some thought.
