Having headphones in cuts you off from a wealth of experience around you, and having your phone on you connects you to the internet in a thousand different ways

Having headphones in cuts you off from a wealth of experience around you, and having your phone on you connects you to the internet in a thousand different ways that cuts you off from where you are physically. As a dog-owner who has walked at least 30 minutes a day down the same paths for 10+ years and who just recently started taking my headphones out and leaving my phone at home, I am continually amazed at what I was missing. Bird song. A neighbor in their yard who I wouldn't normally wave to because I didn't notice. Sound from a window. Leave your phone behind. You'll be more bored sometimes but that's good. It will force you out of your own mind.