Why I Started My Digital Detox: The Turning Point
As someone who spent years working in social media management, I was accustomed to always being plugged in. But when I transitioned to full-time writing and stayed home with my son, I quickly realized just how often I was on my phone. Whether it was checking notifications while my son ate breakfast or mindlessly scrolling in the playroom, my phone was constantly within arm’s reach.
The moment that made me realize something needed to change came when I caught my son staring at me while I was absorbed in my phone. I wasn’t doing anything important—just scrolling through random social media posts. But seeing him watch me like that, waiting for my attention, broke my heart. I realized I wasn’t being the present mom I wanted to be. I wanted to engage with him, to fully experience those little moments, but my phone was pulling me away from him—and from myself.
My First Step: A Simple Rule
To make a change, I decided to set a new rule for myself: no phone in the playroom. When I was spending time with my son, my phone stayed in my office. At first, it felt like a challenge—I was so used to checking my phone at every pause in my day. But what happened next shocked me.
Without the constant distraction, I became so much more present with my son. Instead of scrolling, I would engage with him more, follow his lead in play, and enjoy the simple moments. I noticed how much I was missing before, and how much deeper our connection became when I gave him my full attention. And as a bonus, I also felt more at peace. I was embracing the quiet moments that I had once tried to fill with the noise of digital distractions.
That small change marked the beginning of my digital detox, and it led to so much more than I expected.
Reclaiming Time & Creativity: The Ripple Effect
As a writer, I also began to notice the effect my phone was having on my creativity. I used to turn to my phone whenever I felt bored or uninspired. But over time, I realized that boredom fuels creativity. Instead of using my phone to fill every dull moment, I began to embrace the quiet. I allowed my mind to wander and daydream about my stories.
By putting the phone down, I gave myself the space I needed to truly connect with my characters and plotlines. I wasn’t constantly consuming other people’s content anymore; I was actively creating my own worlds. I felt more inspired, more focused, and more engaged in my work than ever before.
The digital detox helped me reclaim not just my time but my creative flow. I started writing more, developing richer ideas, and feeling a deeper connection to my work.
How to Start Your Own Digital Detox: Small Steps, Big Results
If you’re considering a digital detox, I encourage you to start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire digital life at once. Focus on one area of your life where you can leave your phone behind—whether it’s during meal times, family moments, or your creative process. You’ll be amazed at how much more you gain by simply stepping away from the screen.
A digital detox isn’t just about limiting screen time; it’s about reclaiming the present—whether it’s with your family, in your creative pursuits, or just in your own headspace.
Have you ever tried a digital detox? I’d love to hear about your experience! What changes did you notice? Let’s talk in the comments below! 😊
Elizabeth Yuen 