Nomophobia.

Or rather, NO MObile PHOne phoBIA.

As in, the fear of not having your phone.

According to about a hundred different studies, well over half of us suffer from it. And if you’re thinking that doesn’t apply to you or your family, consider these stats:

• 58% of adults (and 78% of teens) can’t go one hour without looking at their phone. Source
• The average person unlocks their phone 150 times a day (or about once every five minutes they’re awake). Source
• Screen time usage is the third biggest argument between parents and their children (behind only bedtime and chores). Source
• And, perhaps the most shocking, the average person spends at least three hours on their phone each day. Source
• That equals roughly 3.2 million minutes over an average lifespan.
• And THAT equals about 54,750 hours, or 2,281 days, or SIX YEARS AND THREE MONTHS of your entire life … spent on your phone.

Meanwhile, that same average person will spend less than 45 minutes each day in face-to-face quality time with their family. (gasp)

So yeah, we might all be nomophobes.

But that’s okay, because it means we’re all in this together! We can help pull each other out of the rut :)

And what better way to start than by celebrating the upcoming National Day of Unplugging!? In case you’re wondering just what the National Day of Unplugging is, we’ve broken down the basics for you below (and linked to a couple of helpful sites!)

WHO

If you’re a human being, you’re included!

WHAT

A time of intentionally unplugging from ALL electronics. We’ve only talked about cell phones, but our technology addiction is much larger when you consider tablets, laptops, television, etc. Simply put, if it has a screen, put it away :)

WHEN

From sundown on Friday, March 6th, to sundown on Saturday, March 7th.

WHERE

Your house! Your yard! Your car! Wherever!

WHY

Because, as the official website of the National Day of Unplugging says, “We increasingly miss out on the important moments of our lives as we pass the hours with our noses buried in our devices.”

HOW

That’s up to you! Cook dinner as a family or enjoy a meal out together unhindered by devices. Have a game night. Take a sunrise drive. Go for a hike. Soak up some sun at the beach. Start a new ‘unplugged tradition’ together. The possibilities are endless!

So, here’s your challenge: join us as we celebrate the National Day of Unplugging! After all, what could be more campy than challenging yourself to get outside your comfort zone (even if that “zone” is your technology) and enjoying the world around you?

For more information, check out their official website. And if you want to spread the word to your family and friends (ironically through social media) use hashtag #NationalDayofUnplugging the day before to let them know what you’re up to! Or consider using some fun “Gone Away” messages like the ones you can download here.

Happy Unplugging!