Using a flip phone for a week

Automatic voice message:

Sorry that I couldn’t get to the phone. I’m currently using my flip phone for a little while, so reach me there if you need me. A few months back, I ordered a flip phone, and at first, I used it only occasionally. But then I wanted to see what it would be like to use it for a week straight without my iPhone. I had to transfer over some contacts, schedule my weekly workouts, block all social media platforms, and text a friend to keep my Snap streak because I wasn’t going to lose that seven-day streak! I also removed any iCloud apps and basically anything that would distract me.

Usually, I use my phone as an alarm, but this time, I got an alarm clock. Let’s hope it goes off! The first thing I noticed wasn’t even about the flip phone itself—it was the absence of my iPhone. No AirPods, no music—literally just the sound of silence. I’m always listening to music or podcasts, especially in the mornings, so this change made me embrace the quiet.

Receiving new messages on the flip phone was unexpectedly exciting. It took me forever to type! Sending two sentences took about five minutes. The features of the flip phone are simple: texting and calling, of course. Taking pictures was a bit awkward since the camera is where my hand naturally rests, but I had a lot of fun with it.

One thing the flip phone lacked was GPS. To get directions, I had to look them up on my computer and write them down. It reminded me of how automatically I plug in my phone when I sit in my car, just like putting on a seatbelt. The flip phone made me more aware of my surroundings, and I learned the roads better because I had to pay attention to street distances.

Logging into my school dashboard was tricky. It requires two-step verification with another device, and since I didn’t have my iPhone, I had to figure out alternate ways to access things like my notes, QR codes, and codes for package deliveries. I didn’t even know my own flip phone number! Still, I enjoyed the challenge of figuring things out without my usual tech shortcuts.

I became more productive without my phone by my side. I got so much done—it was crazy. It made me realize how easy it is to get caught up in social media and lose focus. While I love seeing what others are up to, it’s important not to get lost in other people’s lives. I’ve always deleted social media in the past for short periods, so I knew that wouldn’t be the hardest part of this challenge. The real challenge was not listening to music while I worked. It made a huge difference in my focus.

Driving without GPS wasn’t as hard as I thought. I started paying more attention to landmarks and distances, which helped me navigate better. I stopped at Panera for schoolwork, and with no distractions, I was incredibly productive. Even traffic didn’t bother me as much. Without being distracted by texts, calls, or social media, I felt more present and intentional with my time.

Texting took longer on the flip phone, so I was more thoughtful about who I texted. Calling became more meaningful and fun. I loved it! By the end of the week, I felt like I had been living more in the moment, which was refreshing. Using the flip phone slowed life down and helped me appreciate what was happening around me.

This experience made me more intentional about how and when I use my phone. Now, I wait until 8 a.m. to start checking messages, and I avoid my phone after 9 p.m. This routine has been a game-changer. I also started using a real alarm clock, limiting my phone use to specific times of the day, and bringing my flip phone on hikes and beach trips when I don’t want distractions.

This challenge helped me understand how important it is to focus on my inner world and not let the outside world control my emotions. As Bob Proctor says, “Adapt or die.” Small changes like logging out of Instagram during the weekdays and using my flip phone more often have made a big difference. Now, when I use my phone or social media, I do it with more intention. This is something I’ll keep working on, and I encourage others to raise their awareness too.

At the end of my flip phone experiment, I can confidently say that my mental state is in a much better place. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. When I finally turned my iPhone back on, it felt enormous in my hands! One of my friends had started a podcast a week ago, and I was only just responding. The experience was incredible, and I’d definitely want to try it again or find a way to incorporate using my flip phone more often.

Although I love my little flip phone, I realized it’s not sustainable to use every single day. But there are a few lessons I learned that I’ve implemented into my daily life. One of them is using a real alarm clock instead of relying on my phone. Another is setting limits on when I use my phone throughout the day. I wake up at 5:30 a.m., but I don’t touch my phone for the first two or three hours. I go to the gym, handle my morning routine, and then around 8 a.m., I check my phone. At night, I avoid my phone after 9 p.m. It’s been a game-changer for me, although I’m not always perfect with it. I know there will be days when I slip, but the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

In terms of using the flip phone, I still use it occasionally. I take it with me on hikes or trips to the beach when I want to avoid distractions. It creates this peaceful atmosphere, helping me connect more with nature. The main reason behind all of this is simple: I don’t want external factors or other people to influence how I feel about myself. Taking care of my inner world is a priority because it shapes how I perceive everything around me. If I don’t protect that space, especially in the mornings, it throws off my whole day.

Bob Proctor talks about how you shouldn’t let the outside world control you. He says, “Adapt or die,” and that’s stuck with me. One way I’ve applied this is by logging out of my personal Instagram during the weekdays and only checking it on Sundays. I use that time to post about what I’ve been up to and to catch up on what others are doing. I’ve also started calling people more often. Using my flip phone made me realize how much I enjoy having real conversations, and now I try to make calling a priority over texting.

So, the next time you pick up your phone or log into social media, think about why you’re doing it. Be intentional about your actions. This is something I’m continually working on—there’s no end point to it, just a constant awareness of what I’m doing and why. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts, and I’ll see you soon!

Reflecting on this entire experience, I’ve gained a lot of perspective. It was more than just a fun experiment—it helped me re-evaluate my relationship with my phone and how much it influences my day-to-day life. By using the flip phone, I became more intentional with my time, conversations, and even how I approached my daily routines. I started to appreciate the slower pace of life and the benefits of being less connected digitally but more connected in the present moment.

The biggest takeaway for me was learning how much of our attention gets hijacked by constant notifications, messages, and social media updates. When I wasn’t flooded by those distractions, I found myself more productive, focused, and able to engage deeply in the things that mattered most. It became clear that technology should be a tool we use with purpose, rather than something that controls us. And the flip phone challenge was a powerful reminder of that.

This experience also strengthened my belief that while digital tools can be incredibly helpful, it’s essential to create boundaries and protect our inner peace. Whether it’s taking a break from social media, limiting phone usage to specific times of the day, or simply being more intentional with how we engage with technology, these small changes can have a big impact on our mental well-being.

As I wrap up, I want to thank everyone for following along with my journey. I encourage you to try something similar—whether it’s a digital detox or just setting healthier boundaries with your devices. It might surprise you how much clarity, focus, and peace you’ll gain in return. Take care, and see you all soon!

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