Unplugged - First impression

I have now had my Nokia 3310 2017 for about two weeks and I must say I like it a LOT!

Before my switch to dumbphone, I used my phone for music in my car, but now I use my old Discman and CDs. Yes, it’s a bit more complicated than just using your phone; you have to plan which CDs you want to have with you in the car and it takes up more space than just your phone. On the other hand, there is a lot of pros; you don’t get distracted by notifications and ads, the music doesn’t suddenly stop asking if you are still listening (like youtube does), the sound is actually better, the nostalgia and last but not least, the experience of listening to music in your car is a lot more relaxing than before.

Regarding listening to music elsewhere, it’s really nice to have the music on a separate device from your phone, again, it’s about just listening to the music and not get distracted by other noice on your phone. You do have to be aware of your phone regarding phone calls, but this way, it has been easier than before, to focus and relax and be in my own space.

As I now only have my social media on my iPad, it has actually been easier than before to not doomscroll on my apps all the time. Instead I only have planned when I can go on social medias and on other times I put my iPad away, so I don’t get distracted by it. I have also chosen not to get notifications on my iPad, this makes it easier to make the choice yourself and not get prompted every other minute.

I am also being more aware of what I like on those apps and I try to focus my energy more on the things that inspire me and lifts my mood, when I am on different apps. 

It has been a bit of a learning curve adjusting to my new unplugged lifestyle and there is still a way to go, but one thing I am truly enjoying, is less stressed and less distracted all the time. The last few days I have even experienced a sense of deep focus. I have missed that feeling for a long time and I never thought I could feel like that again. Before this experiment, I thought it was something I had the chance to get in my childhood, but being an adult, there just wasn’t time. I have now learned, that by moving the distraction, there can still be time for deep focus on a hobby or task.

At this point, I only see the pros of switching from smartphone to dumbphone. Some things take up a bit more space, like having to have different devices with you, but there is also pros by having devices with you, that is made for only that thing, like a good camera and/or a good music player. The biggest joy of all, from making this switch, is definitely the fewer distractions during the day.

For now, the dumbphone life is winning and I am looking forward to continue this experiment for myself.

Have you tried the dumbphone life? Have you been thinking about trying it out?

Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts

Have a nice day

- Lea