While everyone is busy improving their smartphone time with the help of Pokemon Go, last week I found this article and decided to take up the one-week challenge of turning my smartphone into the regular mobile phone.

Americans check their smartphone 46 times per day. Here's what happened when one guy didn't check his for 7 days: https://t.co/OPtqGdOle7

— Fast Company (@FastCompany) July 24, 2016

For a week I turned off 4G and Wifi on my smartphone and just used it for Calls and SMS. For me, it was not a real challenge, because I hardly use it other than checking emails, Twitter, Google Navigation and sometimes booking cabs.

So maybe some of you will be disappointed to read that I don't have any story to tell you.

I did not miss it; I did well without smartphone :)

But still, there was a time when I felt uneasy. First was just next day of my closing net connection on mobile; I visited Mumbai for a day trip and at a time I feel like to check emails, but I refrain. At the end of the day when I reached home late in the night, I found there were no real urgent emails, and it was perfect to answer them next day from my Mac.

I think you don't need to check emails every 15 min, nor it is always the case you must respond them immediately. At least it is true in my case. You can also set expectations for your clients in how much time they can expect a reply back. Once they learn it, they will co-operate with you.

The second time I really needed it, it was on last Thursday when I needed to book the cab. I will be honest; it was a real situation, and I opened 4G connection just for 2 min to book the cab. I hardly book cabs, but it was like testing me; the situation came on last week itself. Yes, so sometimes you need a smartphone. 

Other than checking emails and booking cabs, I use it for Twitter. But I am not into taking selfies, food photos and informing everyone what I am doing every moment. So it was perfect to check my twitter feed after office hours. Even otherwise also I use on my iPad in the evening.

Best thing happens to me during last week was, I was completely at peace because WhatsApp message was not annoying me. I installed it to communicate with my family, but unwantedly getting dragged into some groups. Some people started sending an important message through it and force me to check it. 1 out of 100 messages are useless, its too bad. It is a waste of time and did you know every message you send every photo you send need server to use energy. It is impacting our environment adversely.

I think it's time for us to understand to use every medium responsibly, social media and messengers are not for very critical important messages. Such time it is the best to use the phone. 

When you go out for dinner, short weekend trip, or watch live events, live your moments, instead capturing them on your smartphones. You can live that moment only once. Capture it in your memories.

From today I am activating my data connection, but stillI I will be limiting my use to emails only.  It is possible to reduce your smartphone time to 45 min a day. Try yourself and let me know your experience.