Walking around campus the other day, I was struck by the realization that everyone around me was glued to their phones rather than taking in the beautiful day and picturesque scenery that surrounds our university. Unfortunately, I’m guilty of it too. The first thing I do in the morning is check my phone and ever since getting my iPhone I am constantly getting new apps and playing games with everyone in my contacts. Needless to say, this is time that could be better spent. Studies have even shown that waking up and having five minutes of technology-free time can make you more productive throughout the day, and collegiettes need to be productive, right? So next time you go to pick up your phone and furiously play a game of Temple Run, try to remember one of these alternatives…
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1. Find a good series
And no, I don’t mean a television series. Getting into a good book is awesome and it’s always really sad when it’s over, so finding a good book that is part of a series (Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games etc.) is a great way to make sure you keep having interesting books to look forward to reading. The same is true about finding a good author. I literally have read almost every Nicholas Sparks book because his writing style draws me in and keeps me coming back for more! Take your new friend (your book) to a nice sunny spot on the quad and don’t let the day sneak away from you.
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2. Take a hike! (Literally)
JMU is situated in the Shenandoah Valley, which means duhh, go hike to the top of one of those huge mountains you see every morning when you wake up! Leave the phone at home and grab a few friends, a few Subway sandwiches and head to Skyline drive. A day with nature is an awesome way to reconnect with friends and appreciate everything around you. Plus, it’s not a bad workout either!
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3. Have a personal day
With all the craziness of school and being part of organizations, sometimes you just need to throw up the white flag and surrender yourself to a little “me” time. Collegiettes need some pampering every once in a while, right? Right! Wake up, cook yourself a delicious breakfast, go get your nails done, go take a class at URec that you always wanted to take but never seemed to “find time for.” Abandon your phone and your inhibitions and just relax!!!
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Of course you can’t always be away from your phone (that would just be cray cray). But a little separation can be healthy for your relationship, and yes I do mean the relationship between you and your phone. Taking the time to do other things separate from social media, games and TV is important for your health and sanity. And of course, as the great Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”