I Went Phoneless For a Week. It Changed My Life...

Summary

In this insightful video, the creator embarks on a week-long digital detox, challenging the dependency on smartphones and screens. Experiencing initial discomfort, they adapt by engaging in new activities like skateboarding and life drawing, discovering increased sociability and productivity. The detox results in significant lifestyle changes, including turning off notifications and reevaluating social media use, ultimately leading to a more mindful and enjoyable digital life.

Takeaways

• 📵 The individual decided to go on a digital detox by removing their phone and screens from their life for a week to challenge their dependency on technology.
• 🚀 The challenge began with a sense of nervousness and the immediate realization of the many conveniences provided by smartphones, such as music and time-telling.
• 🕰 The person found it necessary to purchase a watch to cope with the absence of a phone for time-checking, highlighting the reliance on phones for basic needs.
• 🏠 An unexpected rat infestation led to a last-minute Airbnb booking using a phone, which was considered an exception to the challenge and did not affect the overall experience.
• 🛹 The individual took up skateboarding as a new skill to focus on during the detox, showing an attempt to fill the void left by the absence of digital distractions.
• 🤝 Social interactions improved without the phone, as the person felt more sociable and engaged in conversations with others, which is often hindered by digital preoccupations.
• 🎨 The person attended a life drawing class, rediscovering a passion for drawing and experiencing a sense of fulfillment from engaging in creative activities.
• 🌞 A significant shift occurred on day four of the challenge, where the individual felt energized and joyful, realizing the benefits of living without constant screen time.
• 🏢 Despite feeling awkward due to social anxiety, the person managed to work productively in a co-working space, attributing the success to the reduced screen time.
• 📉 After the detox, the individual turned off all notifications except for WhatsApp and text messages, significantly reducing stress and improving the quality of life.
• 🎮 The person found enjoyment in immersing themselves in the game Skyrim, appreciating the beauty and experience of being in a virtual world without the stress of digital obligations.

Q & A

What challenge did the speaker undertake for a week?

The speaker decided to delete their phone from their life for a week to see the effects on their brain and daily routine.

Why did the speaker feel the need to take on this challenge?

The speaker felt depressed about their constant attachment to their phone and wanted to challenge the notion that it was the only way to live.

What was the speaker's experience on the first day of the challenge?

On the first day, the speaker felt weird and realized the many things they couldn't do without their phone, such as listening to music or checking the time easily.

How did the speaker cope with the absence of a phone for timekeeping?

The speaker bought a secondhand Casio watch to tell the time during the challenge.

What was the speaker's strategy for managing payments without a phone?

The speaker carried a mag safe wallet with their credit card and driver's license for payments.

How did the speaker's social interactions change during the challenge?

The speaker found themselves more sociable and engaged in conversations with others, as they were not distracted by their phone.

What new activity did the speaker take up during the challenge?

The speaker took up skateboarding as a new skill to focus on during the digital detox.

How did the speaker's perception of their phone change after the challenge?

After the challenge, the speaker realized that life could be enjoyable without a phone and that it might even be better.

What changes did the speaker make to their digital habits after the challenge?

The speaker turned off all notifications except for WhatsApp and text messages, and they no longer used their Apple Watch.

How did the speaker's screen time change after the challenge?

The speaker's screen time remained roughly the same, but they shifted from using social media to watching YouTube videos in the background while doing other activities.

What advice would the speaker give to others based on their experience?

The speaker recommends others to get rid of social media apps, as they are not necessary and can be detrimental to one's well-being.