I went without my phone for a MONTH. Could you?

Yesterday, social media addicts had to live without Insta, Facebook, and Whatsapp for several hours as the system crashed. I wonder if anyone had a revelation during that short time that maybe they didn’t need to look at their phone as much as they do?

When I went to rehab for my alcohol addiction, I knew that it was really my only chance to get better. The decision to go had happened quickly, and almost immediately I was booked in for a month. Delamere didn’t insist on patients giving up their phone, but I decided that I needed to disconnect with the outside world almost fully to give me the best chance to get sober.

I would recommend it 100%. Giving up my phone in rehab meant I had to concentrate completely on my recovery. And it worked.

The reason I ditched my phone (and all devices) was because it’s a major distraction. Running my own business means I get 10 sales calls a day alone and over 250 emails every day, too, which I’m normally constantly clearing and dealing with.?I knew this was a chance to see how I would handle no communication, but more importantly it was a perfect opportunity to give my treatment all of my attention.

In a way, Covid was on my side. Almost all my employees were on furlough, and a couple of them had just started maternity leave, and the business (Progressive Travel Recruitment) had slowed, as no one was able to travel. It was a strange time, but I almost think it was a catalyst for my recovery.

My phone wasn’t part of my alcohol addiction, but, like many of us, I was dependent on it. Phones and computers are clearly essential for business, and also for communicating with family and friends. It is almost like a necessity for life. But for this part of my life, cutting myself off from the outside world was more necessary. I think being in touch with family and friends would have derailed my recovery. I had to do this on my own. I did stay in touch with my partner Tony, but at a distance, by sending him postcards – and he left messages on the rehab office phone to let me know how things were at home. It was quite sweet really.

Before I went into rehab, I had already removed all my news apps as they were doing nothing but depress me. But being away from the phone completely for four weeks showed me that I can stop working when I need to. Working all the time was definitely a factor that manifested into alcoholism for me.

I had given up my phone once before, during a holiday to Ibiza a few years ago, when I realised that I was working too hard. We left everything at home for 10 days, so I already had a bit of experience of letting go and placing trust in my wonderful colleagues to keep things running.

I was surprised that quite a few people in rehab kept their phones. But I was very glad not to have the distraction. However, now I’m out and in recovery I’m back on the phone. I did go back on straight away. Luckily my emails were being dealt with and it seems sales people don’t ever leave voice messages, so I didn’t have a rush to get back in to work straight away.

I do try to use it less now though. I switch it off when I play golf and I recently had a phone-free Sunday, simply reflecting. It really helped me relax and put me in the control seat rather than the phone controlling me.?I do realise that the phone is a requirement for work now, but it is strange when you think about it – how we didn’t even have them not that long ago. Who knows what will be invented next.

James is the co-founder / owner of www.dryHOLIDAYS.com. , Progressive Travel Recruitment casaSALVIA & Progressive Travel Training

If you would like to discuss how Delamere helped me, then feel free to reach out to me confidentially. WhatsApp - 00447966169530