I'm Considering Giving Up My iPhone & Leaving the Smart Phone World

I am the first one to talk about the benefits of an iPhone and I use my phone for EVERYTHING. I just finished telling my husband that my iPhone has become part of my hand. It has become such a natural part of me that allows me to respond to emails, text, surf the Internet, post tweets, browse Facebook, read a book, take pictures, pin on Pinterest, post on Instagram, and so much more.

So, What's the Problem? 

The problem is... I am doing all of those things, all of the time. Up until recently, I have believed that I am a pretty good multi-tasker. I have participated in an on-line conference call, while responding to emails, getting directions, and sending a text message to a friend. Pretty impressive. Right? However, I am beginning to realize that this multi-tasking comes with several costs. 

Cost 1: My productivity is compromised. It takes me longer to complete multiple tasks at the same time then it would if I spent time on one task at a time. I constantly worry that I don't have enough time. If I want more time, maybe I can learn to use it more efficiently. This video highlights the issues of multitasking.

 Cost 2: My relationships are compromised. It is hard for me to be engaged in a conversation with my husband when I am checking emails or reading a book. A new research study shows that just having a phone nearby (without checking it) can decrease the intimacy connection between two individuals.

Cost 3: I find myself becoming more anxious.  Even when I turn my phone notifications off, I'm thinking about work and all the other things I am missing from not having my phone. When my phone is on, I am constantly aware of issues at work, student concerns, even stressful news updates. 

I'm sure some of you may be thinking, "Stop using your phone so often." "Create boundaries." "You're a counselor, you should know how to change." I have said these things to myself a million times. However, as I stated earlier, my iPhone has become part of my hand and a natural part of me. I hate to say it, but I may be addicted to my iPhone and all of it's amazing features. If this an addiction, I may need to go cold turkey. So, am I willing to give up my phone, social networking sites, camera, Internet, GPS, books, videos, music, and the list goes on? Should I remove all of these things from the tips of my finger?

I am leaning towards... Yes. But, I am still hoping that I can come up with another way to resolve this issue. Are you attached to your smart phone? How do you incorporate your smart phone into your everyday life? What would you lose if you gave up your smart phone?

I would love to hear any ideas or feedback.

Until next time...