There are a lot of ways to get to #TechLifeBalance. Whether you've been or are now a #TechShabbat regular (woohoo!), or you're ready to try it this weekend (tips here), or you're on the journey and are finding your own secret sauce (like Week 1 Challenge: keeping the phone off for 30 mins in morning, 30 mins before bed, and meals), one thing is true across all of these: finding a healthy #TechLifeBalance means being ok without your phone.

But first, if you've tried a #TechShabbat or any of the challenges, we'd love for you take this 5 minute survey as part of our new research study with University of Pennsylvania about the impact of turning off screens regularly.

Take 5 min Survey

And, if you're like some of us, it's not all just easy and perfect to suddenly turn it off. What if someone wants to make plans? What about GPS? How about pictures? Our phones have become such a part of our lives that it takes a little bit of planning (not much, but a little), and even a little bit of internal wrestling, to experience the beauty and benefits (short- and long-term) of regularly unplugging. It's when things are slightly uncomfortable that growth, and many of the best parts of life, happen.

This week's challenge is all about identifying your barriers, and your benefits. While there are universal benefits to unplugging regularly (rest, recharge, perspective), each person will have their own unique set of benefits, depending on how you spend your #TechShabbat or unplugged time, and their own barriers.

So let's unpack potential barriers.

I talk to far-away family on Saturdays.
Keep that practice. There are quite a few options. If you don't have a landline, they cost about $20/mo and are great for emergencies in general, and are great for when you power down the smartphone. You could also get an old school flip phone (yes, all the carriers still sell them) that texts and calls. If you don't want to add a new product or line, how about this: make a plan with mom or grandpa or best friend to Facetime at whatever time you're turning your phone back on. Part of the beauty of unplugging is plugging back in.

I love taking pictures.
We think about this one a lot. We're filmmakers. Turns out not taking pictures or video of every single moment for one day a week is fantastic. Be in the moment. Don't document everything. Or....pull out a non-smartphone-camera like a Polaroid and go wild. Bonus points for printing the pictures and making a #TechShabbat photo album.

I don't feel safe without a phone.
This is an important one. If your phone is your safety when you're out walking in the streets, consider the non-smartphone-option, or keep your phone on for those times only. You are probably not walking in the streets for a full day. Plus, the concept of taking a #TechShabbat is, in large part, about rest, renewal, and connection. If you're expected to be out in the world in places that are potentially unsafe for the whole day, it's probably not the best day to unplug. Bottom line: safety first. Everyone has different needs.

What about GPS?
Having the opportunity to get somewhere without GPS is a true gift these days, and remember, we did this every time we went anywhere until very recently. You can do it. Look at a map before you unplug, and print it out or write it down. Yes, this takes 5 minutes of planning the day before. If that just didn't happen before you unplugged, turn on the phone quickly, write it down, and turn it off. Enjoy the beauty of getting somewhere without a voice telling you every turn!

I'm afraid I'll miss out on a plan if I'm not getting calls and texts.
Yes. Making social plans is a good thing. So is living through a little FOMO. That's the wrestle, and it's healthy. Plus, the number of opportunities that will come your way because you're living in the moment will likely outweigh the possible social engagement you're worried about missing. And, there's always the flip phone or landline options. People will love thinking they have to call your landline.

I don't think I need a #TechShabbat.
Ah yes. You're not as hooked as other people. You don't need a weekly unplug practice. So one question: Have you tried it?