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My Phone-Free Hour: The One-Hour Challenge That Changed My Day.

 

A Teen's Guide to Unplugging and Feeling Better


The other day, I was scrolling through TikTok (for like, the third hour in a row) and a thought hit me: what if I just... stopped? For one whole hour? No notifications, no texts, no endless videos. Just me and the real world.

I know, it sounds kind of dramatic, but I was feeling totally useless. Like my brain was a soggy mess from all the screen time. So, I set a timer for 60 minutes, turned on Do Not Disturb, and put my phone away in a drawer.

Here’s what happened and what you could do, too.


What to Do With Your Time


The first five minutes were brutal. I kept reaching for my pocket, feeling the phantom buzz of a non-existent notification even though the phone was not there.

 I kept thinking of all the texts from my friends that I was probably missing, but once I got over that, I was surprised by how much time I actually had. 

Here are some ideas for what you could do:



  • Be a creator, not a consumer. Instead of just watching videos, draw something, write in a journal, or even try to write a song. Do anything creative, and positive, really or anything that makes you happy and positive, that does NOT include a phone or devices of any kind



  • Move your body. Go for a walk outside, do some stretches, or put on a song and dance around your room.

  • Connect with someone in person. Talk to a family member, play a game with a sibling, or just sit and have a real conversation with someone without a screen between you.

  • Just be bored. Seriously. Sit with your thoughts. Look out the window. It feels weird at first, but it can actually be a good way to figure out what's really on your mind.

  • Or maybe even sleep. You might be surprised, but that sleep was probably really needed, considering you have probably been scrolling on TikTok all night


How You Might Feel

Putting your phone away for an hour might not feel life-changing at first, but it can make a big difference.

 I felt less stressed and more present. It was like I was actually living my life instead of just watching other people's lives on a screen. 

The best part? When the hour was up, I didn't even feel a rush to grab my phone. I felt refreshed, not like I had missed out on anything.


This isn't about quitting your phone forever. It's about giving yourself a small break. A chance to reset.


Ready to try it? Set a timer for an hour, put your phone away, and see what happens. Let me know how it goes! , if it did or did not work for you and if you enjoyed it or not!!!

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