Ahh, summer. What was once a long-awaited three-month break from school has now transformed into a three-month separation from your besties. Obviously, you’re going to be in contact with them 24/7 because collegiettes cannot function away from each other and we are just sooo excited to reunite for another incredible year in the Bend. But, here’s eight reasons we should be putting down our phones, giving those group messages a rest, and stop smothering our Pinterest boards.
1. When your eyes are glued to a screen, it’s hard to focus on what’s in front of you.
Living in the moment is probably one of the most underrated clichés. You should always put 100% into whatever you’re doing (assuming it’s legal) and it’s impossible to do that when you keep checking your phone. Freshmen, make a habit now not to look at your phone during class, keep it hidden in your bag. Remember, it only takes 21 days to make a habit!
2. If you’re home, your time there is limited.
Spend time, without technology, with family and old friends. Once you’re away at school, you’ll be wishing you did.
3. The sun is actually out! Get outside!
Seriously, just do anything outdoors. Put your phone down and appreciate the lack of sub-zero weather. During the school year, we can’t spend a lot of time outside during those lovely winter months. So, go hike; hit the beach/lake/pool/etc., run, walk, or go to a farmer’s market. It really doesn’t matter. Just get outside and breathe in the fresh air!
4. You have time to work out. Seriously, you do.
Okay, for this one, you can use your phone for music. Summer is one of the best times to start a workout routine and get healthy. It’s also one of easiest times to let productivity fly out the window, which is never good and is exactly what this past week has consisted of for me. If you’re not into creating your own solo workout routine, try a group class. I tried a barre class for the first time this summer and it was incredible, if you’re looking for something new that doesn’t involve treadmills (running isn’t my thing) I’d definitely recommend it, you don’t need any dance experience either! I have dance experience, but I don’t think the instructor could even tell by the end of the class anyway…
5. If you’re always looking down, the world is going to pass you by.
Look up! Talk to people. Make new connections. Spend lunch getting to know your coworkers, instead of refreshing your Twitter feed incessantly. This should definitely carry over to the school year. Think about it, if you’re on your phone as soon as class ends, how’s that cute guy from class (who was totally eyeing you the entire time) ever going to get the chance to make a move?!
6. Organize your own stuff, instead of your Pinterest boards.
I actually re-organized (or, more truthfully, organized for the first time) my closet at the beginning of the summer. It’s a really good thing to do if you want to freshen up your wardrobe a bit. Not only do you find out what you actually have, but it also makes it easier to pick out outfits on early mornings.
7. You actually have time to read for fun.
We just don’t have time to read anything unrelated to class during the school year. Actually, we don’t even have time to finish the reading for our classes during the school year most of the time. Summer is really the only opportunity in college to just read novels for fun! Yes, I know it’s crazy, but reading for fun is still a thing. Take a tip from other recent HCND articles if you need some book ideas!
8. UNICEF Tap Project.
Okay, so now that I have, hopefully, convinced you to put that phone down every once in a while, here’s a way to make a difference simultaneously. If you go 10 minutes without touching your phone, UNICEF’s sponsors will donate 1 day of clean water to a child in need. My roommate and I got super into it during finals, it kind of became a competition. We even ran it at night. It’s a pretty incredible and easy way to make a change, for more information check out their website! Disclaimer: Looks like UNICEF Tap Project does not currently have a time donor, as they only sign on for brief periods, which is definitely a bummer. Keep on the lookout for when time donations are live again!
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