Turn off your phone for 24 hours

“I’m turning off my phone for 24 hours. If you need something urgent, you probably know me well enough to know how to reach me.”

That’s what I posted on my social media last Saturday night.

I bought a “30 days of not giving a f*** challenge” for my wife, and one of the cards said to turn off her phone.

Ever since I had a bug in my head to do the same. And without any further thinking, I spontaneously did it.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m not trying to sound like a superhero for being without a phone for a day.

I've done it in the past. But this was always during a vacation or our getaways in nature.

I also try to be off the phone as much as I can when I’m spending weekends doing something cool with my son. Often for hours.

But this was different. No phone whatsoever. During a “normal” day.

Not for taking a picture.

Not for a map.

Not for calling someone to say I was late.

No gm tweet.

No Instagram story.

I knew I would survive, but oh my God - how would my followers survive without me?!

Kidding aside, it was amazing.

Did I miss anything?

Absolutely not.

Did someone miss me not being on my phone?

Absolutely not.

I found myself several times a day feeling a bit nervous. We were in a restaurant, and I was left alone at the table for a bit.

Normal reaction? Check the phone.

So what the hell am I supposed to do now? Just sit?

I picked up a magazine.

Funny situations happened also when paying. Getting out a phone and just paying with Apple Pay is something I do so automatically.

Oh - I need a credit card. Or cash.

Of course, it’s obvious, but I must have looked so confused when searching for my wallet.

The highlight was when I wanted to write down a phone number.

“You have to write it the old-school way on the napkin,” I told the person.

So, what did this all give me?

Just like any of these experiments I’ve been doing (no alcohol, fasting, no display after 6 pm…), it showed me how much I rely on something.

It was amazing for the headspace. When playing in the forest with my son, there was no distraction.

I was there in the moment. Not even thinking of capturing that moment with a camera.

I still think the first time was not enough. It was quite harder - but mainly because it was the first time.

So, I’m going to do it again this Sunday. Maybe also the Sunday after. Maybe every Sunday.

And I think you should give it a try too!

I’m sure it will be super easy for many of you. Just like it was for Ivon, my wife.

But I know that for some of you, this sounds like Mission: Impossible.

I dare you - turn off that phone for 24 hours.

Nothing will happen. And so much will happen at the same time.

And make sure to hit the Reply button to let me know how it was!

Carpe Diem,

Tino