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Inspiration

How switching to a dumb phone like the Punkt. MP02 improved my life

Social Media: Overrated and Easily Forgotten

Social media is for the most part overrated - I really don’t need it and don’t miss it. Yes, it’s useful to be able to share what I’m up to with people I don’t see regularly and see what they are up to. Yet it’s very hard to protect your own experience. To name but a few—being bombarded with constant adverts, getting FOMO, people who only show their best self and their perfect lives.

The cons seem to far outweigh the pros. And I can still log in to my Instagram - but it’s very much like buying a large bar of chocolate and saying you’re only going to have a little bite and ending up eating the whole thing feeling shameful about it. I hardly bother. I’m an all-or-nothing person.

How Mindful Eating Enhances Taste and Digestion

Food tastes better - because you’re actually thinking about what you’re doing. Screen time is reduced and mindful eating is far tastier than you would ever have guessed, and for the most part, people around you mimic your behavior, so if you don’t have your mobile phone out, they don’t seem to either. Focusing on the meal can greatly improve social interactions.

No Photo? It Still Happened

If you don’t take a picture, it still happened - I promise.

Less to Lose, More Freedom

You have less to lose - I volunteer in my spare time at a nature reserve, and when I don’t have my digital device, I just have so much more freedom. Less to worry about losing in the woods, really living in the moment. And there’s always someone else to take that picture or if there is an emergency. This has a very positive impact on my quality of life.

Surprising Self-Control in Others

My 15-year-old stepson has a lot more self-control than I had given him credit for. School requires him to check in his cell phone at night and during lessons. This seems to have built up the habit of focus. Smartphone usage is regulated, encouraging more present interactions.

I think some workplaces could do with these kinds of rules. When you’re not using a smartphone, you notice so much more when others do. He also requested we log him out of a game he has on his laptop so he could “take a bit of a break from it.”

No Meme FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) 

If you haven’t seen a meme, don’t worry—someone will inevitably show you it. People where I work have gotten used to me not getting a reference, which is most often connected to a meme, but they are happy to show me it, and sometimes they are pretty funny - I much prefer being brought into the joke in this way.

New Hobbies and More Time

Yes, something might be hard at first, but with a little effort, you will see rewards. I have a new hobby - I joined a football team, I’m almost 40 and having never really played and don’t support a team or watch it. I was nervous, and there is a long way to go, but it's fun to find new friends as a grown-up and get outside.

News Isn’t "Breaking" Anymore

Time is different. I think I do have more of it.

News isn’t breaking anymore. I set time aside to look up the news on my computer or buy a newspaper. Sometimes I turn on the radio in my car to listen to the headlines. Reducing constant exposure to news from a digital device has lessened the negative impact on my mental well-being.

Improved Sleep Quality with Reduced Screen Time

I sleep better. I don’t have a television in my bedroom—I’ve always hated them—but often in the past, scrolling on my phone seemed fine. I still have times when I will break this rule, but for the most part, I read before bed now, and I think it’s been much better for my sleep.

The Practical Side of a Dumb Phone

Using the Punkt MP02

How switching to a dumb phone like the Punkt. MP02 improved My Life Social Media: Overrated & Easily Forgotten Social media is for the most part overrated - I really don’t need it and don’t miss it. Yes, it’s useful to be able to share what I’m up to with people I don’t see regularly and see what they are up to. Yet it’s very hard to protect your own experience. To name but a few—being bombarded with constant adverts, getting FOMO, people who only show their best self and their perfect lives. The cons seem to far outweigh the pros. And I can still log in to my Instagram - but it’s very much like buying a large bar of chocolate and saying you’re only going to have a little bite and ending up eating the whole thing feeling shameful about it. I hardly bother. I’m an all-or-nothing person. How Mindful Eating Enhances Taste and Digestion Food tastes better - because you’re actually thinking about what you’re doing. Screen time is reduced and mindful eating is far tastier than you would ever have guessed, and for the most part, people around you mimic your behavior, so if you don’t have your mobile phone out, they don’t seem to either. Focusing on the meal can greatly improve social interactions. No Photo? It Still Happened If you don’t take a picture, it still happened - I promise. Less to Lose, More Freedom You have less to lose - I volunteer in my spare time at a nature reserve, and when I don’t have my digital device, I just have so much more freedom. Less to worry about losing in the woods, really living in the moment. And there’s always someone else to take that picture or if there is an emergency. This has a very positive impact on my quality of life. Surprising Self-Control in Others My 15-year-old stepson has a lot more self-control than I had given him credit for. School requires him to check in his cell phone at night and during lessons. This seems to have built up the habit of focus. Smartphone usage is regulated, encouraging more present interactions. I think some workplaces could do with these kinds of rules. When you’re not using a smartphone, you notice so much more when others do. He also requested we log him out of a game he has on his laptop so he could “take a bit of a break from it.” No Meme FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) If you haven’t seen a meme, don’t worry—someone will inevitably show you it. People where I work have gotten used to me not getting a reference, which is most often connected to a meme, but they are happy to show me it, and sometimes they are pretty funny - I much prefer being brought into the joke in this way. New Hobbies and More Time Yes, something might be hard at first, but with a little effort, you will see rewards. I have a new hobby - I joined a football team, I’m almost 40 and having never really played and don’t support a team or watch it. I was nervous, and there is a long way to go, but it's fun to find new friends as a grown-up and get outside. News Isn’t

Switching to a dumb phone, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Deregister iMessage – Some messages may not arrive or will be delayed.
  • Have a backup plan for emergencies – No WiFi calling can be a challenge.
  • Expect some initial frustration – Adjusting to not having a smartphone takes time.
  • Use it as a weekend or occasional phone – A full switch isn’t for everyone, but using a dumb phone part-time can be beneficial.

I liked responding to questions with “I can’t, I don’t have a smartphone” if someone wanted me to look something up.

Finding a Balance

I think there is a better way to balance daily life and our online presence. A phone like Punkt can help you achieve this.

I know that two other people in my office have got a weekend dumb phone since I tried mine out. I will use it again. This experience has taught me the value of minimizing long term reliance on digital devices.

Ellie

What is a dumb phone? 

A dumb phone is a simple mobile phone designed primarily for calls and text messaging, without the added features of smartphones, such as apps, internet browsing, or advanced functionalities. These phones are simpler, with limited digital distractions. Learn more about the rise in popularity of dumb phone. 

What is FOMO or Fear of Missing? 

FOMO or “Fear of Missing Out” is "the feeling of apprehension that one is either not in the know about or missing out on information, events, experiences, or life decisions that could make one's life better" from Wikipedia.

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