When To NOT Use Your Phone

In a world of eye catching screens. Let's not be that person who runs in to a pole or someone on the street because we're looking at our phones. There is a time and place to catch up with the latest social media buzz you missed but I'm going to tell you about a few places you should put the phone down and see the world in front of you. Don't get me wrong, I still find myself sucked in 3 years deep stalking sometimes. I am not the perfect example of putting my phone away at the right times, but I think it's when I'm in these moments that going without my phone means the most.

1. Dinner with your family, friends or significant other.

Yes, I'm usually that friend who has to take a picture of a delicious looking meal before I eat it but after that, the phone is down and I engage with the people in front of me. I don't go out to eat too often, but I think these are some of the best moments to have an excuse to stay off the phones and enjoy a great meal while catching up on life.

2. In a work meeting.

Ugh just don't do it! It's so distracting to not only you, but also to your co-workers. Be respectful and realize that if it's not an emergency, it can wait!

3. 30 minutes before going to sleep.

I wish I wasn't so guilty of this one - it's hard to put down the phone before bed! I will work on it - because I'm a big believer on winding down and getting good sleep in order to be productive, healthy, and stress-free.

4. Public Transportation.

This one can be tough but there's just something kind of eerie about sitting on a bus, looking around, and everyone is consumed by their phone. I like to think as my commute as a fun way to see the people I share a city with, knowing they're doing the exact same thing - going to work. It's cool to notice how everyone starts their day, how they dress for work, if they're already gulping down the caffeine, or what stop they're getting off at. My go-to on the bus is to read a good book!

Another piece of advice -- lately I've been walking home from work! It's about an hour long walk - but it's made such a difference! I love just plugging in a podcast and unwinding from my day - while getting in some exercise too! Especially after sitting the day away.

5. At a Concert or Event

I'll be lenient on this one - of course you want to show off the fun your having! But I think I can speak for everyone when I say I just swipe through all of the concert videos you posted without even listening for a song I recognize. I've done this before where I've posted way too many videos of a band or concert but I don't even go back to look at them! Maybe once? These are the moments where we gotta take it all in. We are SO lucky to live in a time and age where concerts and fun events are right at our finger tips! We have to enjoy every memory so we can tell our kids about it one day. When we're too consumed in our phones, it's harder to remember the feelings we had.

My idea of a good amount of phone time while at an event is to take a good photo and be satisfied with it, then go about having a good time and making good connections. Isn't that what it's really all about anyway? What's the point of posting amazing photos if that photo is the only really good part of the moment?