Tech detox
Week one
Just over a week ago my partner and I took the plunge and got ‘dumb phones’. Which at first I was very skeptical about, but the more we talk about it the more we realise we aren’t alone. It’s like a blast from the past, we are reliving our childhood/teenage years with ‘ancient’ phones as the kids have been calling them. Re-learning how to text again without the ease of predictive texting, no emojis or GIFS. Its hilarious. I find I am more incline to making a phone call.
It’s been something we have wanted to do for some time now, to stop technology taking over and being more present with our family, and one another. In saying that, we do a lot for our family, we are always putting our children first and often forgetting about ourselves. But, we want to show the children that there is more to life than technology, being present in our company, everyday life and enjoying what is around us instead of a screen in front of us.
The first day was interesting, I think I may have been ‘too confident’ with the transition from smart phone to dumb phone. Leaving the house confident that I had everything, and being a bit chaotic at home, getting 4 kids ready and out the door, I had completely forgotten to check the bank. That simple task was never an issue before because I have become so accustomed to checking it on my phone, or transferring money if I and when I needed it. Luckily, as CASH is king, I had some in my purse.
The ‘ancient’ phone as the kids call it. Our Nokia 2660
But, I’ve had to rewire my brain, and remember the simple things we take for granted, like a handbag with keys, wallet and phone, a note book and pen to jot things down.
As the week went on, I realised this also meant, no music playlists on my phone to connect to the car, no GPS to tell me where I’m going, no Facebook or messenger to check or communicate with throughout the day, no camera to take photos at the ease of a button. I do have alternatives and its made me grab some things out of storage like my old walkman and CDs (haha do you remember those?), physically writing things down, putting pen to paper, getting my digital camera out to make memories.
Remember these bad boys! Grabbed mine out of storage with my SO FRESH 2000 CDs lol
All these things we have so easily taken for granted, become lazy with and with such convenience. Even going to pick up my click and collect for the weekly shopping proved difficult, as I can’t click ‘I am on my way’ or ‘I have arrived’. I have to either call or go in to let them know I have arrived. Reality is, I can just as easily go back to physically doing my own shopping.
This week has made us both more aware of the technology around us, and it’s been a fun challenge to say the least. I am getting the hang of the daily checklist to do before leaving the house, and I have found myself much more present, and I don’t feel the need to be scrolling.
Yes, I check my emails and socials but it’s limited and I love the feeling.
Do you think you could take the plunge?
I want to know how ling can i last?
Stay in touch and follow along this journey of ours.
Wandering Wild Homeschool