We live in a world where our phones rarely leave our hands. Notifications ping every few minutes, emails never stop, and our minds constantly scroll-often without even realizing it. I was starting to feel the effects: anxious mornings, distracted thoughts, restless sleep. So, I decided to do something radical (at least by modern standards): unplug for an entire day.
At first, the idea sounded dreamy-24 hours without screens, social media, or emails. But as the day approached, anxiety crept in. What if I missed something important? What if I got bored? But I stuck to it. And here’s how it went-and how it changed everything.
Morning: The Slow Start I Didn't Know I Needed
The first thing I noticed was how often I instinctively reached for my phone, especially in the morning. Instead, I grabbed my gratitude journal and scribbled down three things I was thankful for. It felt surprisingly grounding to start my day with a few moments of mindfulness.
I lit a scented candle-lavender and vanilla, my current obsession-and sat down with a cup of tea. No news, no emails, just quiet. It was the kind of peace I didn’t know I was missing.
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| scented candle |
Midday: Reconnecting With Myself
Without the digital noise, I began to notice things. The sound of birds outside. The way the sunlight streamed through my window. I slipped on my blue light blocking glasses, not for screens this time, but simply to reduce eye strain while reading a physical book-a novel that had been collecting dust for months.
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| puzzle book |
When I needed a break, I turned to a classic puzzle book. Remember Sudoku? Or word searches? Turns out, they’re not just for travel days-they're surprisingly satisfying and kept my brain engaged without the overstimulation of endless scrolling.
Afternoon: Deep Breaths and Mindful Moments
Usually, by afternoon, I’d be knee-deep in notifications. Instead, I spent 15 minutes with a meditation app-I used Calm, but Headspace is another great option. The guided breathing exercises helped me center myself in a way that caffeine or multitasking never could.
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| meditation guide |
Later, I turned to a physical meditation guide I’d picked up months ago. Flipping through pages instead of swiping felt more intentional-and honestly, less overwhelming.
Evening: Playful Connections and True Rest
That night, instead of binge-watching a series or scrolling TikTok, I invited a few friends over for an offline board game night. No phones allowed. Just laughter, conversation, and actual eye contact.
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| board games |
By the time I got into bed, I realized something profound: I didn’t miss the screen time. I felt lighter, more present, and genuinely at peace. I slept better that night than I had in weeks.
Final Thoughts
Doing a digital detox for just one day reminded me of the joy in slowing down. It’s not about hating technology-it’s about using it mindfully. That one unplugged day helped me reset, recharge, and reconnect with the world around me.
So, if your mind feels cluttered and your energy zapped, I challenge you to try it. Light that candle. Grab that journal. Put your phone on airplane mode. You might just rediscover the calm you didn’t know you’d lost.
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