Tag: digital detox

The Power of Boredom – How Reducing Screen Time Boosted My Creativity
July 2025

How My Digital Detox Transformed My Life as a Writer & Mom

Elizabeth Yuen

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! 😊

June 2025

1,000 Hours Outside – Why I’m Ditching Screens for the Great Outdoors

Elizabeth Yuen

After starting my digital detox, I stumbled across the 1,000 Hours Outside movement, a challenge encouraging families to swap screen time for outdoor time. I was instantly hooked.

As a mom and a writer, I knew this was exactly what I needed. So, I made it a personal goal: spend at least 2.5 hours outside every day to hit 1,000 hours in a year.

Why Spend 1,000 Hours Outside?

Research shows that outdoor time benefits both kids and adults:
✅ Improves mental health
✅ Boosts creativity
✅ Regulates sleep cycles
✅ Strengthens family bonds

For me, it also served as a reminder to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with the world around me.

How We Make It Work

  1. Daily Walks – Whether it’s a stroller walk or a hike, we make fresh air a priority.
  2. Picnic Meals – Eating outside adds a little magic to the day.
  3. Outdoor Play – Instead of TV time, my son and I play at the park or in our backyard.
  4. Nature Adventures – Even a simple trip to throw rocks in a creek feels like an adventure.

The Impact So Far

Since committing to this challenge, I’ve noticed a huge shift. My son is happier, I feel less stressed, and my creativity is thriving. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of sunshine on your skin.

If you’re feeling stuck in a screen rut, I highly recommend giving this challenge a try. Have you heard of 1,000 Hours Outside? Let’s chat in the comments!

May 2025

How a Tiny Notebook Saved My Creative Ideas (And My Sanity!)

Elizabeth Yuen

I used to be that person—every time an idea popped into my head, I’d grab my phone to jot it down in my Notes app. Sound familiar? The only problem with this approach? The moment I opened my phone, I was greeted by a cascade of texts, notifications, and apps begging for attention. What started as a simple idea quickly turned into a 15-minute scroll-fest, and before I knew it, the brilliant thought I had was gone—lost in the sea of distractions.

I realized I had a major problem. Not only was I losing ideas, but I was also getting increasingly frustrated with the constant digital noise that surrounded me. So, I decided to make a change, and it was a simple one: I switched to a tiny notebook.

Now, instead of reaching for my phone, I carry around a cute pink pocket notebook (with an attached pen—because toddlers + loose pens = chaos). Whenever an idea strikes—whether I’m in the middle of a walk, cooking dinner, or playing with my son—I can quickly jot it down without getting sucked into my phone’s endless notifications.

Why This Works for Me:

  • Keeps Distractions Away: The beauty of a physical notebook is that it’s free from the digital noise of social media, emails, and texts. When I’m writing in my notebook, there’s no temptation to check anything else. It’s just me and my ideas.
  • Helps Me Stay Present: I used to grab my phone at the slightest pause in conversation or a lull in my day, but now that I have my notebook on hand, I don’t have to check out of the moment to capture a thought. I stay present with my family, my surroundings, and the current task, and I still capture creative moments on the fly.
  • Captures Creative Thoughts Without Digital Noise: There’s something about the act of physically writing down an idea that feels more intentional and less hurried than typing on a screen. Plus, I find that my ideas stick with me longer when they’re captured in a notebook. I don’t have the temptation to scroll through social media, and the thought doesn’t get lost among other distractions.

Why I Highly Recommend This:

If you’ve ever lost a brilliant idea to the endless scroll of your phone or been frustrated by how easy it is to get distracted, I can’t recommend this enough. Keeping a notebook with me at all times has been a game-changer in my creative process. Not only does it keep my ideas safe, but it also helps me stay focused on what matters most—being present in the moment while still nurturing my creativity.

Do you already keep a notebook to capture your thoughts, or are you still using your phone? If you’ve tried the notebook method, I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you! Let’s talk in the comments below. 😊

The Power of Boredom – How Reducing Screen Time Boosted My Creativity
April 2025

The Power of Boredom – How Reducing Screen Time Boosted My Creativity

Elizabeth Yuen

As a writer, I used to believe that I needed constant inspiration—an endless stream of Pinterest boards, beautifully curated aesthetics, and thought-provoking articles to fuel my creativity. But what I really needed was boredom.

Breaking the Habit of Constant Stimulation

When I quit my corporate job and transitioned to being a full-time writer and stay-at-home mom, I unknowingly developed a bad habit: filling every single spare moment with my phone.

  • Standing in line? Scroll.
  • Waiting for my son to wake up from a nap? Scroll.
  • A moment of quiet? Scroll.

I told myself that I was “researching” or “finding inspiration,” but in reality, I was overstimulating my brain and leaving no room for my own thoughts. The more I consumed, the less creative I felt. Instead of developing fresh ideas, I found myself overwhelmed, uninspired, and stuck in comparison traps.

The Lightbulb Moment: Boredom Fuels Creativity

One day, I left my phone in another room while taking a walk. At first, it felt weird—I kept reaching for it, wanting to check something, listen to something, or scroll through something. But as I walked in silence, something surprising happened.

My mind started to wander.

I found myself thinking about my book ideas, untangling plot problems, and imagining new character interactions. Without the constant noise of social media, my brain had space to breathe.

That’s when I realized that boredom isn’t a bad thing. It’s a creative superpower.

How I Embrace Boredom to Boost Creativity

Instead of filling every moment with external content, I now give myself space to just think. Here’s how I do it:

✨ Letting my mind wander on walks – I walk without headphones, and instead of consuming a podcast or audiobook, I let my thoughts drift. Some of my best plot twists have come from these quiet moments.

✨ Daydreaming about my characters and stories – Instead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning or while sipping coffee, I let myself daydream. I play out different scenarios for my characters, and sometimes, I surprise myself with new ideas.

✨ Journaling random thoughts – I used to only journal when I had something specific to write about. Now, I scribble down whatever comes to mind—ideas, fragments of dialogue, or even a single word that resonates with me. These random thoughts often spark my next big writing breakthrough.

From Consumer to Creator

Now, instead of consuming other people’s content all day, I create my own. I no longer feel like I need a perfectly curated aesthetic board or endless writing prompts to spark creativity. The best ideas don’t come from scrolling—they come from stillness.

So if you’re feeling creatively stuck, I challenge you: embrace boredom. Step away from your phone, sit in silence, and see where your thoughts take you. You might just unlock your next great idea.

Have you noticed a connection between boredom and creativity? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️✨

March 2025

5 Screen Time Hacks That Helped Me Break My Phone Addiction

Elizabeth Yuen

Let’s be real—putting your phone down is hard. After years of working in social media management, I was used to constantly being plugged in. Checking notifications, staying updated on trends, and being available 24/7 became second nature to me. But when I transitioned to being a full-time stay-at-home mom and writer, I realized something: I needed to set boundaries with my screen time.

As much as I loved the idea of being “productive,” I was finding myself mindlessly scrolling during moments when I should have been present—whether it was with my son, writing, or even just relaxing. The constant connection left me feeling mentally drained and creatively blocked. That’s when I decided to make a change.

Here are five game-changing hacks that helped me cut back on screen time and reclaim my time and energy:

1️⃣ Use a Screen Time Widget

I’ve learned that awareness is key when it comes to managing screen time. So, I added a screen time widget to my home screen. This handy tool shows me exactly how much time I’m spending on my phone, broken down by app. Seeing those numbers in real time is a wake-up call.

This simple visual reminder keeps me accountable and motivates me to put my phone down and get back to being present. It’s hard to ignore the truth when the widget clearly shows me I’ve been scrolling for 30 minutes or more!

2️⃣ Keep Your Phone in Another Room

One of the easiest ways to reduce screen time is to remove temptation. I started leaving my phone in my office when I’m with my family. This means when I’m playing with my son or sharing a meal with my husband, I’m not distracted by incoming texts or social media updates.

Out of sight, out of mind is a simple but effective strategy. When my phone’s not within reach, I don’t feel the urge to mindlessly check it, and I can focus on the people and moments right in front of me.

3️⃣ Set App Blocks

I’m not going to lie—resisting the urge to scroll can be tough. That’s why I started using an app called Opal, a free screen time blocker. With Opal, I can block access to certain apps—like social media—during specific hours.

For example, when my son is awake and I need to be fully engaged with him, I have my social media apps blocked. This way, I’m not tempted to check Instagram or Twitter while I should be focusing on him. It’s been incredibly helpful in keeping my attention where it needs to be.

4️⃣ Ditch the Phone in Bed

Before I started setting boundaries, I had a bad habit of scrolling through my phone right before bed. But I quickly realized this wasn’t helping my sleep or mental clarity. The blue light from my phone was interfering with my circadian rhythm, and my mind was racing from all the content I’d consumed.

Instead of scrolling, I now make a habit of reading a book or journaling before bed. It’s become a relaxing routine that helps me unwind, reflect on the day, and improve my sleep quality. Plus, it’s given me a lot more peace of mind at night.

5️⃣ Use a Notebook Instead of Notes App

I love jotting down ideas for my writing, but I noticed that whenever I opened my phone’s notes app, I’d get sidetracked by notifications, messages, or emails. Before I knew it, the inspiration I had quickly turned into a distraction.

Now, I keep a cute pink notebook by my side for whenever inspiration strikes. I jot down ideas, thoughts, or snippets of dialogue the old-fashioned way, and it’s been a game-changer. I don’t have to worry about getting sucked into my phone, and I stay focused on my creative process.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Breaking phone habits isn’t easy, especially after years of being constantly connected. But these small changes have made a huge difference in my daily life. I’m more present with my family, I’m more focused on my writing, and I feel less overwhelmed by the constant need to check my phone.

Have you tried any of these hacks to cut back on your screen time? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Drop a comment below and let’s chat. 😊