How to Reclaim Your Time and Peace of Mind
We live in a world where screens are always around us—phones, TVs, laptops, tablets. They help us stay connected, entertained, and informed. But too much of anything—even something useful—can cause harm. If you’ve ever felt mentally tired, anxious, or just “not yourself” after scrolling for hours, your mind may be asking for a break. That’s where a digital detox comes in.
A digital detox doesn’t mean throwing your phone away forever. It simply means taking short breaks from screens so your brain and body can relax, recharge, and reset. Think of it like giving your mind a holiday.
Let’s look at how it works in real life.
Diksha, a 14-year-old student, shared how she felt drained after school because she would jump straight into watching reels and playing games. Her sleep got disturbed and her studies began to suffer. Her mom suggested a screen-free hour every evening. During that time, Diksha started painting again. “It felt like finding an old friend,” she said. Now, she looks forward to her quiet, creative hour more than her phone time.
Manish, a 38-year-old professional, was spending nearly 10 hours a day between Zoom calls, emails, and endless scrolling at night. He decided to keep his phone out of the bedroom and read a book before sleeping. Within a week, he was sleeping better and waking up refreshed. “It changed the way I start my day,” he said.
Here are some easy ways to begin your own digital detox:
- Set one “screen-free” hour each day—spend it walking, talking, reading, or doing anything offline.
- Keep phones out of reach during meals or before bedtime.
- Replace some screen habits with creative ones—drawing, journaling, dancing, or gardening.
- Turn off non-essential notifications.
- Try a weekend challenge: 24 hours without social media.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Even a small step can make a big difference in how you feel. The more time you spend off-screen, the more space you create for real conversations, quiet thoughts, and joyful moments.
Start with 10 minutes. See how it feels. You might be surprised by how much more alive and peaceful you feel without the constant buzz of the digital world.
“When you put the screen down, you pick your life up.” — A. Bansal