The main plan I had in mind was to stay asleep for as long as possible so that the day ended faster, however, this didn't work out since my mum woke me up at 11 o'clock. When I got up I did the usual things such as brushing my teeth and eating breakfast. After that, I did a quick workout with a few push-ups and pull-ups and was ready to go. At this point, I realized how hard the experiment would be because I had to find out what to do for the rest of the day. So, the only thing that crossed my mind was to take my dog "Hera" for a walk. After half an hour I got back home and watched some TV with my mum until the food was ready. Shortly after, I ate lunch and went straight back to my room to take a quick nap since I was full. When I got up at 5 o'clock, I studied for about 3 hours and after I was done the hardest part of the day was over. Now all I had to do was take a long shower and after that eat dinner. Finally, I listened to some music and then saw a movie with my family until I got sleepy enough to go back to bed. With that, the day had come to an end. Keep in mind that everything happened on a Sunday, so I had no school in the morning, and because I live a little outside of Aigio there was really nothing to do besides staying home, that is why I took this as more of a challenge rather than an experiment.

The morning kicks off with a refreshing game of billiards. The clinking of balls and the strategic maneuvers on the green felt engage my mind in a way that no app or message ever could. There's a tangible sense of team spirit as friends gather around the billiards table, sharing laughter and friendly banter.

Following the billiards session, a leisurely walk beckons. The crisp air and the rustling leaves form a serene backdrop as we stroll through the park and the central square. Unhindered by the constant urge to check messages, our conversations flow naturally, and the beauty of the surroundings becomes more pronounced.

Next on the agenda is a spirited game of football. The physical activity not only invigorates the body but also fosters a sense of teamwork and competition. Without the interruption of phone notifications, the focus is solely on the exhilaration of the game and the bonds forged on the field.

As the day progresses, we gather to watch a sports event on TV. The absence of distractions allows us to fully appreciate the athleticism and skill on display. The cheers and groans are shared collectively, creating a shared experience that transcends the virtual world.

Evening brings the delight of dining out with friends. Without the constant checking of phones, conversations deepen, and the enjoyment of good food is elevated. Laughter resonates, and the simple act of savoring a meal becomes a celebration.

To cap off this technology-free day, a refreshing run under the moonlit sky offers solitude and introspection. The rhythmic pounding of feet on the pavement provides a meditative space, allowing thoughts to flow freely without the interruption of notifications.

In the absence of a mobile phone, each activity becomes a vibrant brushstroke on the canvas of a day well-spent. The joy derived from genuine connections, physical activities, and unfiltered experiences is a testament to the richness of life beyond the digital screen

In conclusion it was not that hard to spend the day without my phone…it was fun and quite entertaining. It was a memorable day for me and I would definitely do it again. I highly recommend it. Try it and remember my words…KEEP YOURSELF ENTERTAINED OR ELSE… YOU’LL LOSE. 

Have fun,

Foteini

The only problem I faced was getting hold of my friends since we usually communicate via social media. I must also admit that this experiment might be a bit challenging for the Spotify addicts and it made me realise how dependent I was on music. 

Taking everything into consideration, I strongly advise everyone to try it and they will notice the effects of excessive mobile use almost immediately.

At first, it was challenging to refrain from communicating with my friends and watching videos that I enjoy. However, I was taken aback by how effortless it was to carry on with my daily routine without the influence of social media. I was able to alleviate the pressure that comes with academic responsibilities, as I didn't waste any valuable time on social media. By being productive and consistent with my studies, I was able to complete my assignments early, which gave me an abundance of time to pursue my passions and cherish moments with my loved ones.

Throughout this weekend, I gained a newfound appreciation for being more present and savoring the time I have. By avoiding social media, I was able to recognize the amount of time I had been spending aimlessly scrolling through feeds. Instead, I relished in spending meaningful time with those closest to me and participating in activities that brought me happiness. In the end, it was an empowering experience that allowed me to reassess my values and cherish the little moments in life.

Even though I knew it would be challenging, I decided to participate in this activity. I have to admit that it was difficult but I made it.

To begin with, I woke up in the morning and I felt strange when I didn’t touch my phone at all and watch some videos on tik tok or respond to my messages as I usually do. Then I decided to go jogging in my neighborhood while listening to music on my MP3 like I did in the quarantine in 2020.After that, I returned home and completed my studies for the lesson I had at noon.

Fortunately, it was Saturday and I wasn’t much time at home. When I finished my lesson, I called my friends using the landline phone to decide what we would do in the evening and I felt like I was back in elementary school.

Then, I got ready for my night out and left the house after I informed my parents about the hour that they would pick me up. The rest of the day passed like every other Saturday night.

This challenge was difficult but I noticed that I was more productive and had more energy than the days I use my self-phone. I clearly won’t do it again though.  

And that was my day without a mobile phone. It wasn’t easy at all but I realized that there’s so many things to do to spend your free time creatively and productively rather than sitting in front of a screen and watching videos. From that time, I started using my phone less.

Thank you for reading my experience!