24 hours without an iPhone

On Saturday night I had a little bit of a panic attack. Randomly, my iPhone locked and even after following the instructions on the screen about entering my Apple ID...it wouldn't unlock. I freaked out a little. I Googled my phone issue and even got on the phone with Apple reps for help, but nothing was working.

Three hours later, and I started to realize just how much I rely on my iPhone...just how connected I feel like I need to be to the world. Two more hours and I wonder if I've missed life-changing text messages or phone calls. I didn't have my iPhone back up and running until about 24 hours later.

Even though I'm an introvert and don't consider myself a big phone user, I still feel obligated to stay connected. Communications is my job, it's what I want to do for a career, and it's my passion. When people text me, if I'm not really busy or sleeping I text back almost immediately. While I do screen phone calls, I typically call people back within the hour. Emails get very quick responses because that little red circle with a number on my iPhone email icon drives me insane. I feel obligated to respond promptly and always be available. And I get so annoyed when others don't do the same.

But those hours without a functioning iPhone...having a valid reason for being unreachable and unconnected... were really amazing. I spent time with my family and they received my undivided attention. I brainstormed ideas for project I'm working on. And I had time to think and just relax. As a blogger, or even as a person who has grown up with technology, I feel like technology and people coexist. I had forgotten what it was like to live without a cell phone. I know this is a "first world problem," but I think it's something that many can relate to, especially bloggers because we connect with people in an additional way.

Strangely, I enjoyed my day without an iPhone so much that I plan to have more days like this. Just

 putting my right hand friend (literally my phone stays in my right hand) down and living without it.

How addicted are you to being connected? Is the connection preventing you from making real-life connections?

Well, I dare you to attempt to go 24 hours without using your phone. Whether you put it on silent and don't check it for 24 hours, or turn it completely off for 24 hours. See if you can do it. And watch how much thinking and work you get done in the meantime.

Do you think you could go a day without using your iPhone/smart phone?

If not 24 hours, how many could you go?