11/02/2026
31 day social media / email detox - the review!
I’ve just completed January without any social media or emails on my phone, what have I learned?
1. Screen time reduced from over 4 hours to approx 2 hours.
2. Addiciton - I was definitely addicted to picking up my phone to fill any gap of time possible.
3. Social killer - removing my phone completely from social interactions for a month hugely improved quality of time, chat and overall enjoyment with people.
4. Consciousness - using an app blocker allows me to make a conscious decision, rather than autopilot/addicted decision when opening an apps. Probably the biggest help in reducing screen time.
5. Home / relationship / kids - leaving my email app open means that no matter what time I get home, I am still “on”. Presence is massively reduced. Anxiety increased with to many loops in my brain open. This is the biggest reason to continue this.
6. Controlling the hours I have left in my life - a key/deep thought I had was would I be happy living the rest of my life giving away my current screen time (4.5 hours a day)? No was the answer. So now I budget for 2 hours a day and do this by only using mu phone for calls/messages through the day and then use if I want whatever’s left at night.
7. Phones are not all bad! I really enjoy having my phone on an evening, 1-2 hours before bed to group chat, watch silly videos, research something, make notes, shop, look at past photos, anything really. Being too strict on every hour of your life isn’t healthy. Phone, TV, Games definetly helps me switch off from work, relax and do something non intense each day. Strictly no emails!
Am I going to continue - yes!
Not to the extreme of NO social media but hugely reduced and trying to aim for 2 hours a day, leaving the app blocker on.
Should you do it - yes!
Find out what habits you have and decide consciously after a month what’s right for you and how many hours of the day you are happy giving to your phone.
Let me know your thoughts!
