Why I Tried a Digital Detox—And Why You Might Need One Too

Several weeks ago, I heard the word digital detox as I flipped through a magazine. It made me pause and caught my attention . It sounded like something I required, even before I really knew what it was.

Intrigued, I looked it up—and the definition was straightforward yet powerful. A digital detox is when you are on a tech break—no phones, no laptops, no tablets, and no screens overall—to pay closer attention to life as it happens. Not just to disconnect, but to fully connect with what's around and within you: people, earth, and even your own thoughts.

My Wake-Up Call

I didn't think my screen time was that terrible before I tried it myself. But then I realized I was waking up and going to bed with my phone in my hand. I was scrolling for hours, switching between apps, watching random videos, and checking notifications constantly—even when I didn't care.

It gradually started impacting me. I was sleeping badly, getting distracted during studying, and feeling mentally exhausted even when I hadn't been doing anything physical. That's when I decided to take this "digital detox" thing seriously.

What Screen Overload Really Does Turns out, I wasn't the only one. Studies reveal that an excessive amount of screen time can lead to:

• Heightened stress: It has been seen in a study conducted in the U.S. that 18% of individuals are stressed because of the perpetual use of technology.
• Disrupted sleep: Prior use of gadgets, particularly smartphones, disrupts the quality of sleep since the blue light emanating from these devices causes them.
• Loss of mood and concentration: In a study in Sweden, tech addiction has been identified to be correlated with signs of depression, particularly among children.
• Burnout and imbalance: Constant reminders can make it difficult to keep work, study, and leisure time separate—resulting in burnout.

My Simple Detox Steps

L started with a small not take a big advancement :

• No phones in bed: I left a book nearby instead. My sleep improved within days.
• Turned off notifications: I only permitted calls and messages. Everything else could wait.
• Spent more time with loved ones: Walks in the evening, tea-time conversations, and sitting together screen-free was invigorating.
• Replaced scrolling with interests: Every time I went to grab my phone, I attempted writing, journaling, or simply going for a walk.

It was clumsy at first, but after three days, I felt less on edge and more capable.

Signs You Might Need a Digital Detox

If you're uncertain if it's time for a break, keep an eye on these signs:

• You constantly check your phone for no reason within every few minutes.
• You got anxious when you don't find your phone on time.
• You scroll repeatedly for hours and yet feel incomplete afterwards.
• You postpone sleep only to remain online.
• You experience mental fatigue even on calm days.

If any of them ring a bell, you could use a mini detox.

What Changed for Me

Within only one week of establishing boundaries and being aware of my screen use, I could see a dramatic change. I was more concentrated. I slept more soundly. And the best part? I didn't miss anything really significant on my phone.

Disconnecting allowed me to reconnect—with myself, with my environment, and with the ones I love.

Final Thoughts

We are living in a world that is digital, and I don't mean that we should all get rid of our phones. But at times, taking a break reminds us of what we've been missing when our faces are glued to screens.

Take a digital detox for a few hours or a weekend. Disable your notifications, take a walk, call someone up instead of texting, or read a book instead of scrolling.

You'll be surprised at how serene it feels to disconnect—even for a bit.