Nomophobia - Our Newest Addiction - Do You Suffer?

Are we really scared to be without our phones? As a whole, yes. So much so, there's a new name for it. Nomophobia - the fear of being without our cell phones. 

Think of this... a study 3 years ago stated this was a rising trend for students. How far have we come in just 3 years? So far in fact, that the new iPhone launched this month comes with a huge price tag of over $700 - even upwards of $1000! OF course, in today's monthly EVERYTHING, you only have to pay a few dollars a month to pay it off, with a new contract, plan, etc... pretty much for the rest of your life. And people are seriously running to get it. Did you? Are you reading this on your newest iPhone right now?

Now, I'm not picking on anyone. I understand that most everything we do can be done on our phones these days. As real estate professionals, a quick text can convey easy information or data but nothing beats face to face contact. We can use a zillion emojis and still not be able to convey what a true expression can emit. 

Nomophobia might sound silly but back in 2014 more than half the population already suffered from it. Nearly 10% felt anxious and stressed when their phone was turned off. The stress was equal to wedding day jitters and trips to the dentist!

Two out of three people sleep with their phones, a whopping 35% answer their phone during intimacy times (HELLO!) and one in five would rather go without shoes for a week than take a break from their phone. More than half never even turn their phone off... ever. More people watch a concert through their phone screen than actually watching it in person!

Is there any hope for us?

How do you know you're addicted?

• Do you scan it when you have a spare second?
• Take it to bed with you?
• Grab it first thing in the morning (even before coffee?)
• Take a peek at it even when you're with a client?

If any of these apply, you may be addicted. There are some simple things you can do if you feel it's gotten out of hand or if you just need to break the cycle.

Shut it down during one activity a day - either dinner with friends or family, playing with your kids, relaxing or watching a good movie.

Turn off vibrate - Silence it when you're with clients so you're not distracted by that buzz of the vibration. 

Turn off notifications - anytime that screen lights up it's a distraction. You don't have to be compelled to keep up with every alert. 

Let someone else manage it - if you can, hire an admin to handle all the calls so you don't feel like you are neglecting anyone. 

Give yourself an hour - if you can, give yourself an hour every day to review emails, social media notifications and anything else you want to do. Limit it as much or as little as you want but keep that time set aside for this purpose so it's not filling every spare moment of your day.

Cell phones are not going away, but we don't have to be ruled by them. Take back your time. Be present, in the moment, whether it's with your spouse, kids, friends or clients.

Inspired by "Are you addicted to your phone"

As a certified Realtor® for the top-rated Columbus Realty Firm - Vision Realty, with 32 years of dedicated real estate experience, I can help buyers, sellers, investors, short sale sellers and more find, sell or invest in the right property, at the right price, at the right time. Contact me anytime for updates and information on the Columbus OH Real Estate market.

Donald Payne - Vision Realty, Inc. 4608 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214 Toll-free: (866) 510-2223 Cell: (614) 323-4348 DonaldPayne@VisionRealty.com