Disconnect to Connect

Words of Wisdom

by Julie Weinstein

I recently came across a couple videos on YouTube that sort of rocked my world (this one sums them up). And one of the main takeaways from these videos is that most of us are absolutely addicted to our phones and social media, and of course, this comes as no surprise.

But what some of us might not realize (I didn’t until I saw the video) is that the dopamine hit we get when we look at our phone (whether to check a text, Instagram, etc) is a 400% spike, which is just slightly less than cocaine!!

Let that sink it.

I hate to admit it, but I am totally and completely addicted to my phone. I hate that I am, but I am. I find myself aimlessly scrolling feeds more often than I’d like to admit. It’s habitual now, and I wish that it wasn’t!

Though maybe we didn’t know how powerful of an addiction this is, we all know this is a problem. But what are we doing about the problem? In her summer bucket list, Carrie included the idea of going 24 hours phone-free. The one thing I always personally make sure of (and have done so for a while now) is to keep my phone away when I’m out with someone having dinner, drinks, whatever. Unless I’m waiting for an urgent call or text, that phone is upside down and/or in my bag. When I’m with someone talking and catching up and connecting, that phone is my last priority.

However (and it’s a big however), when I’m not with someone catching up, I’m glued to my phone. Ugh! Again, I hate to admit that.

But I know I’m not alone.

Truly, though, there is no way to fully connect with someone when you’re checking your phone or waiting for a text back from the guy you met online last night. There’s just not. It’s nearly impossible.

And, really, if you think about it, when you’re on your phone and “connected” you’re actually disconnecting yourself from others and the outside world, which can in turn make you feel very alone.

When I do remind myself to look up from my phone or put away my phone for several hours at a time, I feel cleansed in a way. I feel more connected, to not only myself, but the world.

While phones are very important for a plethora of reasons, they can also be detrimental to our well being and peace of mind.

I’m never going to get rid of my phone (of course I’m not!), but I am trying to not have it be such an addiction for me. I’m trying to be more aware and conscious of how much I’m on it and what I could be doing instead of scrolling.

I’d urge you to do the same if you don’t already. Take a day or an afternoon off from your phone and see how you feel. Reconnect with your friends and family in person, not by way of the screen. I think it could only benefit all of us.

What do you think on all of this? Would love to hear in the comments below.

One more thing

Don’t forget – you can download a free printable of this quote here. Have a great day!