How I Divorced My Phone: A Complete Guide to Digital Detox and Reclaiming Life

Earlier this year, I made a life-changing decision. I divorced my phone. It wasn't an easy choice, but it was necessary for my personal growth and well-being. I want to share with you the process of ending my toxic relationship with my phone and how it has transformed my life.

Like many of you, I received weekly reports on my phone usage. Every time I saw those numbers, I felt appalled by how much time I spent mindlessly scrolling through social media or browsing online stores. Despite knowing the negative impact it had on my well-being, seeing those reports didn't change my behavior. I needed something more.

To interrupt my mindless phone time, I installed an app called Onesec. This app inserted a mindfulness moment before opening certain designated apps like Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram. Initially, it helped me shift my shopping and browsing habits, but the mindless opening of social media apps persisted.

One day, as I reflected on how I was feeling, I realized that this was not a healthy relationship. My phone was impacting all areas of my life – physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and even in the workplace. It was time to break up; it was time to divorce.

Breaking up with my phone was not an overnight decision; it was a process. At first, I tried using my phone less and relied on Onesec and screen time reports to keep me in check. However, deep down, I was in denial. I convinced myself that there were still some good parts about having a phone, but emotionally, I was afraid to let go.

Over the next several months, I embarked on a journey to shift my phone usage through different seasons and life events. One of the first steps I took was clearing out clutter. I unfollowed, unsubscribed, and deleted accounts and people that demanded my attention or distracted me. This helped me regain control over my time and focus.

I also realized that keeping my phone out of sight made a significant difference.

If it wasn't within arm's reach, I wouldn't mindlessly pick it up. This simple act allowed me to watch TV without multitasking on my phone and be fully present in social events. These changes were significant milestones in my journey.

It's important to note that this process felt lonely at times. Breaking up with my phone meant changing my normal routine while those around me continued to be glued to their screens. At social events, I found myself being the only one without a phone on the table, and I attended my children's events without capturing every moment through pictures and videos.

The turning point came when my family entered a new season of growth and change – back to school. It was the perfect opportunity to make some big changes, too. Finally, I mustered the courage to delete all social media apps from my phone. No more babysitting my usage or justifying why I needed to check just one thing. I cut off those distractions once and for all.

Although I still have a phone – a fancy iPhone 15 Pro Max, to be exact – it no longer holds power over me. It has become a tool for making calls and sending messages, nothing more. My boundaries and divorce mindset have transformed it into a mere utility. I am no longer controlled by its notifications or the constant urge to scroll endlessly.

I want to emphasize that I still have my social media accounts. However, the relationship as I knew it has ended, and life looks different now. As a highly sensitive person, not being constantly bombarded with everyone's lives has been a massive relief.

Less consumption has created space for more peace in my life.

Divorcing my phone was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to reclaim control over my time, focus on what truly matters, and cultivate a greater sense of peace and well-being. If you find yourself trapped in a similar toxic relationship with your phone, I encourage you to take a step back, assess how it's impacting your life, and consider making changes. Remember, your phone should be a tool to enhance your life, not consume it. You deserve to live a balanced and fulfilling life free from the distractions of endless scrolling.

Are you ready to divorce your phone? The choice is yours.

---

---

Ways You Can Support My Work

Thank you for stopping by to read my thoughts! Your support means the world to me. If you found value in my work and would like to show your support, you can do so in a few ways.

• Giving this post a heart is a simple yet meaningful gesture. It lets me know that my words have resonated with you and encourages me to continue sharing empowering content.

• I would love to hear your thoughts on what I've shared. Feel free to leave a comment expressing your insights or emojis that capture your reaction. Your engagement validates my work and creates a sense of community where we can learn from each other's experiences.

• If you know someone who would benefit from reading my newsletter, I would be grateful if you could share it with them. By spreading the word, you can help empower more women on their personal growth and self-improvement journey.

Remember, supporting my work helps me continue creating valuable content and contributes to a community of women striving for work-life balance, increased self-confidence, improved mental well-being, and so much more.

Find Me Elsewhere

Website: maryjackson.online

---