Why Disconnecting Is the Best Thing I Did for My Mental Health

There was a time when I felt tethered to my phone. Notifications, texts, social media updates—they all demanded my attention, and I willingly gave it, day in and day out. It wasn’t just about being entertained or staying connected. I had developed a habit of constantly checking my phone, whether it was during work, at dinner with friends, or even while watching a movie. It didn’t matter what I was doing—there was always a need to know what was happening in the digital world. Over time, though, I started to notice the toll this was taking on my mental health.

I felt constantly distracted. My focus was scattered, and even simple tasks felt overwhelming. On top of that, the endless stream of social media updates left me feeling inadequate. I’d scroll through highlight reels of other people's lives and wonder why I wasn’t doing more. It was exhausting, but I didn’t realize just how much this constant connectivity was draining me until I hit a wall. I found myself feeling irritable and anxious, unable to truly relax even during my downtime. That’s when I decided I needed to make a change.

At first, the idea of disconnecting felt radical. How could I stay in the loop? What if I missed something important? But I was determined to reclaim some mental space, so I started small. I began by turning off non-essential notifications. No more pings from apps I didn’t care about or social media updates pulling me away from the present moment. Then, I set boundaries for myself—no phone during meals, no scrolling first thing in the morning, and absolutely no checking my phone an hour before bed. These small changes created a noticeable difference almost immediately.

As I continued to create more distance between myself and my phone, something unexpected happened—I started feeling more present in my daily life. Without the constant urge to check my phone, I became more aware of the world around me. Conversations with friends became deeper, my focus improved at work, and I found joy in the little things, like going for a walk or reading a book without interruption. The more time I spent disconnected, the more I realized how much I had been missing out on by always being plugged in.

Perhaps the most significant change was in my mental health. I felt lighter, more grounded, and less anxious. By stepping away from the constant noise of the digital world, I found space to reflect, relax, and simply be. I started practicing mindfulness, savoring moments of stillness that I hadn’t allowed myself before. Disconnecting wasn’t just about avoiding my phone—it was about reconnecting with myself.

I won’t pretend that I’ve completely sworn off my phone, but I’ve learned to strike a balance. I still stay connected with friends and keep up with what’s happening in the world, but on my own terms. The constant need to check my phone is no longer there, and I’ve never felt better for it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant noise of the digital world, I encourage you to take a step back. Even a small break from the screen can bring incredible clarity and peace.