Weekend Digital Detox: How to Recharge

How does screen time impact mental health and well-being?

Disconnecting from technology is becoming more and more difficult in today's world.  We are surrounded by screens and notifications competing for our attention all the time, from laptops and cellphones to social media and streaming services.

 We are consequently using electronics for longer periods than before.  In actuality, the typical Australian uses electronics or watches TV for four hours every day.  Although it may not seem like much, this amounts to roughly 25% of your total awake time.

Although there are unquestionably many advantages to technology, it can also have detrimental effects on our relationships, general wellness, physical and mental health, and more.

 And regrettably, even when screen usage is causing issues, many of us struggle to reduce it.

What is a digital detox?

Stopping the use of your computer, phone, TV, gaming console, and other electronics for a 

The predetermined time is known as a "digital detox."

With our phones and other gadgets, it's simple to feel continuously connected to our personal and professional obligations in the current digital era.

 However, studies reveal that stepping away from technology can improve our productivity levels and mental and physical health in a number of ways.

 Reducing stress and anxiety is one of the main advantages of disconnecting.  Feelings of overwhelm and burnout can result from constant notifications and the pressure to be ready at all times.  We may boost feelings of calm and decrease stress by allowing our brains to rest and recharge by taking breaks from our displays.

How can a digital detox help me?

Numerous advantages and beneficial effects on several areas of your life can result from a digital detox.

 It could be a good idea to give yourself a digital vacation even if you don't believe your digital habits are negatively impacting you.

Why do a Digital Detox?

You're not alone if you've ever checked work emails on a Sunday "just in case," half-watched a Netflix series while depressingly scrolling through Twitter, or aimlessly browsed Instagram at one in the morning.

Thanks to Apple, our lives are more digital than ever in 2025.

Even though the average individual uses screens for more than seven hours every day, many of us experience continual distraction, mental exhaustion, and a loss of connection to reality.

Despite how alluring it may seem, getting off the grid or dropping your phone in the ocean are not part of a digital detox.

(We consider it frequently.)

 In order to recover your attention, enhance your well-being, and create time for the things that really matter—like meaningful conversations, creativity, and restful sleep—you must intentionally set boundaries with technology.

The Signs You Need a Digital Detox

Are you unsure if you need a reset?  If two or more of the following describe you, it's time to detox:

The first thing you do when you're bored is reach for your phone.  Social networking might make you feel overwhelmed, insecure, or nervous.

 First thing in the morning and last thing at night, you check your emails or texts.

 Without checking your alerts, it's difficult to concentrate on in-depth work.

 Without your phone close by, you become agitated or uneasy.

 Your quality of sleep has decreased.

 You wince when you see your screen time report.

Consider long-term changes

It's important to assess your experience and decide if you want to make any long-term changes following your digital detox.

You could decide to make the following changes:

shutting off all of your devices and logging off at a certain hour each night

Use a separate room for your phone, whether working, studying, or dealing with people.

Using social networking sites less or staying away from them completely

Setting aside particular days for "TV-free" or "game-free" days.

Setting a deadline for screen time, either weekly or daily

Consider the following when choosing which adjustments to make:

 What were the detox's advantages?

 Did there have any drawbacks?

 Do I feel more balanced and responsible for how I use media and technology?

 Did my physical or mental health improve as a result of the detox?

 Should I attempt a different detox or prolong it?

 Would I wish to keep the adjustments I made, even if they are slightly different?

 You can learn a lot about your relationship with media and technology by doing a digital detox, regardless of whether you choose to make long-term adjustments.

You may increase the quality of your sleep, improve your concentration, lower your stress levels, and enhance your general health and well-being by taking a vacation from the never-ending stream of notifications, social media feeds, and other electronic distractions.

Strategies for a successful digital detox

It's never easy to break a habit.  Additionally, software businesses' attention-grabbing features present an additional obstacle to abandoning digital habits.

Thankfully, most of these features may be avoided.  Additionally, when attempting to break habits, some tactics (such as having an accountability partner) are helpful.  Generally speaking, your chances of success increase with the number of tools in your "digital detox toolkit."

Make sure you read these success techniques before beginning your digital detox so that you are ready.

Strategies for success

Disable any notifications that are not necessary.  You may also choose to turn off alerts entirely at specific times by using the "do not disturb" (or focus on iOS) feature.

During your detox time, log off of or remove your social media accounts.

To prevent being tempted to use addictive apps every time you unlock your phone, remove them from your home screen.

Set time limits for apps you want to use less and keep track of how much time you spend on screens.  Here are

the steps for doing this with an iPhone.  Learn how to establish time limits for apps and monitor your screen time

if you're using an Android smartphone.

Block access to your newsfeed on social media or to entire websites using digital tools.  SelfControl (for Mac), StayFocused Google Chrome extension for PC, #blockit (only for iOS), and Stay Focused: Site & App Focused (Android) are a few examples.

Find someone with whom you can share accountability for your digital detox.  In addition to providing moral support, you may put time limits on each other's app passwords so that neither of you can open them.

Reduce the visual appeal and stimulation of your phone by switching to a greyscale screen.  Instructions for Android and iOS are available here and here, respectively.

When you are not using your phone, leave it at home or in a different room.  For instance, while you're at work, taking a stroll, shopping (don't forget your bank card!), or using the restroom.

Put your phone away from your bedroom.  Getting an alarm clock and placing a charger in a different room might be necessary for this.

20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-minute break every 20 minutes, at least 20 meters away from your device.

Final Thoughts: Digital Detox for Life

A digital detox aims to create a more positive, long-term connection with technology rather than a quick fix. The objective is to utilize screens purposefully, not to do away with them.

See how you feel after a week of trying this detox.  It's possible that living in the now makes life better.

And peaceful puzzles are always available if you need a screen-free, mindfulness-enhancing pastime.

Do you need assistance turning off?  Try our stress-relieving puzzles; they're meant to help you relax, concentrate, and regain your sense of presence.

 It is now your turn. Which digital habit would you like to break?  Tell us in the comments below!