Something New I’ve Been Trying

Soooo basically social media is a huge part of my hobby – which is making YouTube videos and blogging-  so it’s no wonder that I’m ALWAYS on my iPhone snapchatting, instagramming, tweeting or doing some other related thing.

I realized I barely even take the time to have a normal conversation with my friends, read a book or just go out and do something that doesn’t involve being on my phone or computer. So I decided to practice something new.

Gulp.

 I don’t know when exactly when or how I came up with this idea, but it could have been when I realized I bought a huge pile of books I never read, because really, when the eff do I get a chance to read.

P.S. Harry Potter doesn’t count because I ALWAYS have time for Harry.

I have always always been a bookworm and the fact that I don’t get to read my books or even buy new books is really a horrific and traumatic thing. Obviously it doesn’t have to be reading if you’re not a fan of reading- it could be something that you love but just don’t have “the time” to do. So hence I came up with this little idea.

WTF you ask? I know you think I’m crazy but read on to see why.

I decided that when my phone and laptop are charging- I’m not going to touch them.

Bet you thought it was something more dramatic right? But hear me out, don’t be fooled because IT’S INSANELY HARD TO DO.

And I can say I speak fully from experience and I’m currently nervously looking at my laptop battery and it’s 28%.

MEGA GULP.

A laptop & phone takes about 1.5- 2 hours to fully charge and that means that for roughly 2 hours, you could be doing something other than scrolling through social media or aimlessly trolling the internet while your devices are charging.

I mean does that happen to you? You use your stuff while it’s charging and 99.5% you’re doing something unnecessary and totally time-wasting? BTW not only is this bad for you but it’s horrible for your tech cause it can kill the battery faster.

Now don’t get me wrong, I totally understand the need to use your stuff while it’s charging when you have 5428370 assignments due so do your thang!!!

But I know you know what I mean.

Since I adopted this little practice I’m halfway finished reading a book I bought last year. YES OKAY I AM NOT PROUD (about not finishing the book) but I am super happy that I’m almost finished with it. Half empty, half full right?

I also have time to think up video and blog ideas (and WRITE THEM DOWN) as well as read more books because that’s just something I love. Heck, I feel like scheduling my gym time while my laptop charges.

It’s absolutely incredible what you can accomplish with those two hours.

The first time I tried this little experiment, I literally watched the battery light every 10 mins until it turned green. I kid you not. You honestly would FREAK out when you realize how much time you have on your hands to do something else. It’s really exciting tbh.

Today while my life was charging, I had time to steam away the fridge, try a new recipe for beets, tidy up one (of the many) messy corners of my room and even plan my video for Sunday!  The next thing I’m going to do while my stuff is all plugged in is finish my travel scrapbooks which seem to be piling up in shame.

Anddd the most amazing and surprising thing is that at the end of the charging session, you won’t believe how recharged YOU feel because you’re just taking time to do something you love and take a little breather. Just like your devices, you need time to recharge right?

Here are some ideas that you can try if you decide to give this a go in case you need a little inspiration. Remember the list is not “fixed” so read a book can be practice your hobby while cleaning your room could be organizing any space that needs attention etc.

Yes, I did say socialize in REAL LIFE because you’re not supposed to be on anything techy when it’s charging. And really, how hard is it to just run out for an ice-cream date or walk in the park with your bff?!

Ahhhhh I just cannot contain my excitement at this point and I honestly hope you try this little experiment and see how many things you can do. It was truly soul awakening and now I can’t wait until my tech batteries run out just so that I try something new!

Let me know how it goes!