Global superstar Ed Sheeran recently opened up about a personal choice that has intrigued his fans for years: his decision to live without a phone since 2015. In an intimate conversation during a recent episode of the talk show “Therapuss” with Jake Shane, Sheeran shed light on his unconventional lifestyle.
“I haven’t had a phone since 2015,” the renowned singer-songwriter admitted, as reported by People. The revelation came when Sheeran provided his email address instead of a phone number to the host, Jake Shane. “I don’t have a number,” he clarified, adding, “…that isn’t me playing you off either.” This statement underscored his commitment to a phone-free existence, which wasn’t just a casual choice but a pivotal decision for his mental well-being.
Sheeran’s team occasionally provides him with a phone when necessary, primarily for essential video-related tasks that need to be uploaded on social media. However, the device is not an active, traditional phone by any means. “I have something to like video stuff that would then go up on social media, but it’s not like an active working phone,” he explained. This approach helps Sheeran maintain a balance between his public persona and personal life, ensuring he isn’t constantly tethered to the digital world.
The monumental decision to abandon his phone came in December 2015 when Sheeran reflected on the countless connections he had accumulated since his rise to fame. “I had the same number from like age 15, I think, and I got famous and I had 10,000 contacts in my phone that would just… people would just text the whole time,” he recounted. His phone was inundated with messages, creating a never-ending cycle of communication that became overwhelming.
The pressure of incessant texting and the expectation to reply promptly took a toll on Sheeran. “I feel like with phones, everyone expects you to reply, and if you don’t reply, it’s rude,” he said, highlighting a common sentiment in today’s hyper-connected world. The artist elaborated on the mental exhaustion of juggling multiple conversations simultaneously.
. “Sometimes you’re just not in a headspace to reply, you’re busy or doing whatever but then you reply, then they reply back… and suddenly you’re in like 40 conversations at once,” he said.
In his quest for peace and a more meaningful life, Sheeran recognized that the constant digital interaction was eroding his real-life relationships. “I just was losing real-life interaction, so I got rid of my phone,” he confessed. By transitioning his communications to email, Sheeran found a way to manage his interactions on his own terms. “I got an iPad, I moved everything onto email, which I reply to once a week,” he shared.
The change wasn’t just about reducing stress but also about fostering deeper connections and being present in the moment. By limiting his digital engagements, Sheeran could focus on what truly mattered—his craft, his loved ones, and his mental health. This deliberate move is part of a larger trend where individuals, especially public figures, are seeking to mitigate the psychological impact of being constantly connected.
Social media has brought the world closer, but it has also introduced an unprecedented level of intrusion into personal lives. Celebrities like Sheeran are often at the mercy of the public’s constant demand for engagement, making it challenging to find a sanctuary away from the screen. Sheeran’s journey is a testament to the importance of setting boundaries, even if it means defying societal norms.
The singer’s story is a reminder of the pressures faced by individuals in the public eye and the lengths they might go to reclaim their peace of mind. It also serves as a call to action for everyone to evaluate their relationship with technology and consider how it impacts their quality of life.
In today’s fast-paced world, where the next message or notification is just a tap away, Ed Sheeran’s choice to go phone-free may seem radical. However, it underscores a significant and growing awareness about the need for mental health and the importance of real-world connections. As Sheeran continues to inspire with his music, his lifestyle choices also offer valuable insights into achieving balance and mindfulness in the digital age.
(With inputs from ANI)
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