If I told you that blocking your mobile internet for two weeks could significantly improve your mental health, would you even consider doing it?
A new study suggests that going offline, properly offline, can reduce stress, boost wellbeing, and improve focus. And yet, for most of us, the thought of going two minutes without our phones is enough to cause a mild panic attack.
I’ll admit, I’m just as guilty as anyone. There was a time when I constantly checked my phone thinking that I was ‘staying informed’ when really, it’s just a habit. I told myself I ‘needed’ to stay on top of work, even though refreshing emails at 11 pm hasn’t exactly been a productivity game-changer for anyone. I remember being on holiday and my daughter Tia clicked her fingers in my face and said “Hey! Are you on the home team or the away team?”…she was right.
The evidence is stacking up; mobile internet might be doing more harm than good. According to research published by News-Medical, people who had their mobile internet blocked for two weeks reported lower stress levels, better sleep, and improved mental clarity. In short: disconnecting helped them reconnect with life.
This isn’t the first time digital detoxing has been studied
Other research has found that high smartphone use is linked to increased anxiety and reduced concentration. The difference here is that this wasn’t just voluntary screen-time reduction, it was a full internet blackout. And the results? Remarkably positive.
How Can We Apply This in Daily Life?
I get it, we can’t all go off-grid for two weeks. But we can reduce our digital overload in small, manageable ways:
- Set Boundaries: No phone after 9 pm? No emails on weekends? Start small and build from there.
- Take ‘Phone-Free’ Breaks: Even a few hours can help your brain reset. Try a tech-free walk, meal, or meeting.
- Disable Notifications: If it’s not urgent, does it need to interrupt your day?
- Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ Mode: Give yourself uninterrupted work time—your brain will thank you.
- Try a Digital Sabbath: A client in a workshop I ran at Simon Kucher had an idea. He was realistic with what he could and couldn’t do, and decided to do a 5:2 digital detox. He picked two days each week to unplug from socials, scrolling and notifications. I thought that was brilliant!
Let’s Talk
The real question isn’t can we go without mobile internet, it’s why don’t we? If a two-week break from constant connectivity can dramatically improve our wellbeing, isn’t that a sign that something needs to change?
So, could you do it? Would you even want to? Let’s start the conversation.
#Wellbeing #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #DigitalDetox #Stress #Burnout
