It’s not until our phones are suddenly taken away that we really appreciate how much we depend on them. How will you stay involved in your group chats? How will you snap quirky pictures of your masterpiece breakfast? How will you cure your boredom when waiting in line? Your phone being stolen or unrepairable can bring a lot of things to a standstill, especially in that period of time where you’re waiting for your replacement to be delivered thanks to your mobile phone insurance.
If a tragedy has befallen you and you’re left contemplating a day without a mobile phone, never fear – we’ve pulled together some tips on how to survive without it while you wait for your replacement – and you might even find that you enjoy a short break from the constant notifications!
Waking up to a day without a mobile phone
You sleepily reach out a hand to grab your smartphone from the bedside table and check your social feeds. It’s then that you remember, with horror, that you broke it the day before and that you’re going to have to wait 24 hours for your iPhone replacement.
Suddenly, without the ability to check Facebook or your favourite news website for your morning update, you start to feel strangely cut off from the world, and wonder what you’ve missed. Are you going to walk out of the front door to a zombie apocalypse? Has the world economy collapsed overnight?
It can feel pretty isolating being without your primary method of communication with friends and loved ones. But listening to the radio on the drive to work, or stopping at the corner shop for a newspaper will quickly get you back on track while you wait 24 hours for your replacement. Your mum might even appreciate you popping round for a cup of tea instead of the usual text conversation.
The practicalities of a day without a mobile phone
While we may joke about not being able to cope for a day without our mobile phones, there are many practical reasons why it can be a bit awkward to suddenly be without them. If anyone is likely to need to contact you urgently – for example, your university lecturer, childcare provider or elderly parent - make sure they know that you’re ‘off the grid,’ and provide them a landline or friend’s phone number so that they can get hold of you should they need to.
Alternatively, agree that you’ll check in regularly, and make sure you stick to the plan.
Attending that mid-morning appointment
You know you have an appointment, but what time was it? Thankfully, you synched your phone calendar with your laptop - so that’s one problem solved. But how will you know where you’re going without Google Maps on your smart phone?
If you don’t have a Sat Nav, then it’s a good idea to print off some instructions before you set off, or stop off at a services to pick up a roadmap of the area.
But it’s not just getting to the appointment that might prove problematic – once you get there, how are you going to entertain yourself in the waiting room? It won’t be long before you start angrily flipping through magazines as you pine for your phone replacement to arrive.
But why not take the opportunity to connect with other people, breathe deeply, and simply sit and watch the world go by? After all, when was the last time you did that?
Meeting friends for lunch
When you’re used to making all of your plans with friends over WhatsApp, a day without a mobile phone can prove devastating when it comes to keeping up with the group chat. You might even find yourself left out of the loop if plans change quickly. Ensure a few trusted friends are aware of your predicament, and ask them to keep you updated on important goings on while you’re waiting for your mobile phone replacement.
If you have payment information linked to a missing phone, you will need to make sure you protect yourself by calling your bank to alert them - they may even suggest you cancel your cards as a precaution.
Keeping yourself entertained
A 2015 study by Nottingham Trent University found that users check their smart phone an average of 85 times per day, and spend 5 hours browsing the web and using applications. In fact, most people underestimate the amount of time they spend on their mobile phone by half.
If you’re waiting for your iPhone replacement, think about how much extra time you could have on your hands while you’re not able to check your notifications. Perhaps do something you wouldn’t normally do, like bake a cake or read a book – you could even meditate if you need to wind down. Without that constant distraction, you might even find it’s easier to relax than normal!
Make sure you’re covered
Looking to protect your favourite gadgets?
Cover your gadgets against theft, accidental damage (including cracked screens!) and mechanical breakdown. Includes a 15% Endsleigh discount on up to two gadgets!
Find out more about Protect Your Bubble’s gadget insurance.
Staying in student accommodation?
You may already have insurance through your accommodation provider! Check and confirm your cover today via the My Endsleigh app.