Between social events, work commitments, and family gatherings, I’ve been feeling pulled in so many different directions. While staying connected is important, the constant stream of information, notifications, and emails can drain our mental energy and leave us feeling one burnt out.

I used to think that the whole point of this season was to be busy, active, outside and just “in the streets”. bUT AS i grow and learn, I am realising that this season is actually a perfect opportunity to protect your mental well-being by taking a step back from the digital noise. A digital detox isn’t just about putting away your phone — it’s about creating space for your mind to rest, for meaningful in-person connections, and for a sense of calm that often gets lost in the busyness of life. It’s about reclaiming your energy and being truly present in the moments that matter most.

I get it, between family gatherings, work deadlines, and the inevitable holiday rush, it can feel like the last thing you need is more time spent on your devices. And yet, we often find ourselves scrolling, emailing, and multitasking our way through it all, sometimes missing out on the very essence of the season: connection, joy, and presence.

The truth is, our relationship with our devices has grown so much that it often crowds out the important moments we need to focus on — whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea with a friend, listening to our partners or loved ones share their day, or simply pausing to reflect on our own thoughts. The other day I was sitting with my family, watching a movie, and my brother racked a joke, and I completely missed it because I was busy scrolling, and hopping from one app to the other on my phone. It sucked because by the time I asked what happened, the moment was completely gone. While staying connected is important, it's equally important to create space to disconnect.

Taking time to unplug doesn't mean cutting off your digital life completely, it just means finding balance and intentionality in how and when you engage with technology. It’s about disconnecting to reconnect: to the people around you, to your own feelings, and to the beauty of the present moment.

How to take a digital break during the holidays:

1. Set tech-free zones: Dedicate certain times of day or areas of your home as tech-free zones. For example, you can have a no-phone policy during dinner, or create a cozy, phone-free morning routine to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before the rush begins.

2. Create boundaries for work: As a working woman, it can be easy to feel like you need to stay plugged in 24/7. But setting clear boundaries with your work email and phone notifications allows you to enjoy family time without the constant ping of new messages.

3. Be intentional with your social media usage: Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your feed, set specific times for checking social media. Or, consider taking a short break from it altogether to focus on real-world connections.

4. Engage in offline activities: Read a book, enjoy a walk, or even try out a new hobby that doesn’t require a screen. The holidays offer an abundance of opportunities to immerse yourself in non-digital activities that bring calm and creativity to your life.

But I know, even with the best intentions, unplugging can be hard. That’s where technology can help! Fortunately, there are a variety of apps and tools that can assist you in staying on track and making this holiday season as restful and present as possible. Here are a few that I recommend:

Helpful Apps for Your Digital Detox:

1. Forest – This app helps you stay off your phone by growing a virtual tree. The longer you leave the app closed, the more your tree grows. It’s a fun way to keep focused and avoid digital distractions while allowing yourself to enjoy more meaningful moments.

2. Freedom – Freedom allows you to block distracting websites and apps across all your devices, giving you the space to focus on what's truly important. Whether it's family time, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying a book, Freedom ensures that technology doesn’t intrude.

3. Offtime – Customizing your “offline” time with Offtime helps you disconnect from your phone, block calls, texts, and apps, and reclaim your time. You can even set schedules for specific periods during the day, ensuring you’re not tempted to check your device during downtime.

4. Headspace – If you’re looking for a more mindful approach to your digital detox, Headspace offers guided meditations and relaxation exercises to help you recenter and unwind. It’s the perfect way to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself.

5. Moment – Moment tracks how much time you spend on your phone and provides insights into your habits. It also has a feature that encourages you to put your phone down and enjoy the present moment, making it perfect for mindful time away from devices.

6. Stay Focused – If you're finding it difficult to stay away from social media or other digital distractions, Stay Focused lets you set time limits for apps and websites, ensuring you're not spending more time than you intend online.

The holidays are a time for reflection, relaxation, and connection. Let this season be an opportunity to unplug and rediscover the power of being fully present, both with the people around you and within yourself.