From train delays to detox

A few weeks ago, I found myself hanging out with Ellen whilst waiting for some serious train delays to sort themselves out. We got talking about a detox idea and I suggested Ellen send me an email with the word detox in to jog my memory to do something. She did, and last week we decided to try an experiment on me. At six o'clock on Thursday evening, Ellen arrived to collect my phone. I'd already switched off every other electronic device, but the phone going away for 24 hours was symbolic of the main screen that is a big part of my everyday life.

I'd already prepared a bunch of stuff that I would need for the next 24 hours.

And I'd written a bit of a plan of the things I wanted to do. As I was writing this plan I very quickly realised how many apps I rely on to do stuff. A good example would be developing films, an analogue thing, but, I have become reliant on an app that gives me chemical details and timings for different types of film. I wrote down the film details on my 24 hour plan.

And I decided to keep a journal of my thoughts.

5:30pm (Before Ellen collected my phone)
Sense of impending loss. Lots of stuff to prepare before the day. How best to prepare for a day of doing without any digital tools?

6:00pm
Ellen collected my phone. Felt a little strange handing it over. Why? It seemed valuable in money terms and in another way I can't yet put my finger on.

6:10pm
I tidied up, washed the dishes with radio 4 on. When I finished at 6:30 I switched the radio off (I hate the 6:30 comedy slot). I felt for my phone in my left jean pocket, the place it's lived in it's different reincarnations for many years.

6:30pm
I know some friends want to meet up, how do I know where they are? Emily will have to contact them. Something for the pre planning checklist, make plans with friends, but tell them you are taking part in a detox thing, so the plans can't be changed at the last minute.

9:20pm
Really important to tell close friends and relatives about this experiment. Most people presume when they send a message, that the receiver will get it straight away.

I spent 3 hours on the beach, eating, drinking and talking with emily. I didn't miss my phone.

Friday, 8:30amish
I fell asleep last night listening to Radio 4. I scanned all the AM & FM stations, very hard to find something good. I did have a nice moment, remembering my early days working in radio, then hearing an old friends name mentioned as a producer on R4. I also read my book about hiking from coast to coast. I woke at 7am, alarm went off. My normal routine has me grabbing for my iPhone, this morning I just dozed until 8:15.

Friday 9amish
Developed 2 films whilst listening to the radio. I'd planned ahead and noted down all the tech stuff from the app I use. Again, hard to find good stuff to listen to on the radio, made me think how lucky I am to have access to so much amazing radio and podcasts.

When I'm developing films, I'm normally looking at Twitter et el in between waiting for each process to complete. Today I just had my thoughts and the sunshine to keep me amused. I also had to use an analogue clock for the development timings.

Friday 10:05am
Finished developing, feeling slightly unsettled, like I should be going to my computer to 'work', or I should be looking on Twitter or at my calendar. I feel unsettled but good. I've developed those films that have been sitting looking at me whilst I waste hours on Twitter.

Friday 10:30am ish
At Coffee@33 without watch, I have no idea what the time is or how long I will be here. I just have a book called There are no secrets. Whilst reading I'm realising how much I photograph bits from books to put in Evernote. Instead I am noting down bits I want to photograph later.

Friday afternoon
What a relief it is not to be pulled to a screen like a crack addict. I know I could have more control, but, could I really? I'm 5 hours away from getting my phone back and I keep thinking about what I'm going to take off it and what I will leave. I might just leave these things:

Phone
Camera
Music
Clock
Calculator
Map
Train Times
Podcasts
Calendar
And maybe Instagram

I really don't need much more, I have so much other stuff to do in my life.

Friday 6pm
Ellen arrived with my phone, we chatted a bit about what happened and decided Ellen would test this out soon. Soon after she left, I switched the phone on and deleted loads of stuff and it felt good.