As the golden days of August become a memory, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads. Whether you've been traveling or enjoying a staycation, the past few weeks have likely provided a break from the relentless digital noise of everyday life. This respite from your phone has probably been refreshing, hasn’t it?
Whether your disconnection was accidental or intentional, stepping away from screens often brings a sense of calm, boosts creativity, and enhances focus—benefits that can seem all too brief once regular work routines take over.
1. Set clear boundaries
Setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with technology. This doesn't mean eliminating screens entirely but rather establishing guidelines for their use. One effective approach is to implement a "digital sunset"—a designated time each evening when you turn off all screens. Culture journalist Emily Bond has found this technique beneficial: "I leave my phone in another room before bedtime, which keeps me from getting distracted by reading for work. It’s also been great for brainstorming ideas for my current project." Writer and speaker Rosemary May Richings uses a similar method. "I have a do-not-disturb mode on my phone that disables social media and email notifications at night," she says. "I also place my phone as far from my bed as possible before I sleep." This practice not only enhances sleep quality but also provides your mind with the space to relax and process the day. Start by turning off screens an hour before bedtime and gradually extend this time as you become accustomed to the routine.
2. Create screen-free zones
Another effective strategy is to designate specific areas of your home or workspace as screen-free zones. Consider making your bedroom, dining area, or a dedicated creative corner off-limits to screens. By associating these spaces with relaxation or creativity rather than digital distractions, you can reinforce the habit of minimizing screen time. For instance, you might set up a cozy reading nook where phones and tablets are banned or create an art station equipped with traditional materials like paints, pencils, and paper. These screen-free zones can become sanctuaries for creativity and mindfulness, allowing you to connect with ideas and inspirations that might otherwise be overshadowed by digital noise.
3. Swap screens for paper
One of the simplest ways to replace digital activities with analogue ones is to return to the traditional medium that screens have largely displaced: paper.
For instance, Louisa Tan, co-founder of Common Exception, has been exploring collaging. She explains, "I can't look at my screen while using scissors and glue at the same time." Similarly, design partner Fabián Sanabria participates in weekly life-drawing sessions. He finds these gatherings soothing, as they involve quietly drawing in a group and offer a soft focus that allows him to use his creative skills in a non-digital way. Illustrator and designer Isaac LeFever shares, "I've been revisiting printmaking. When you're carving your design into a block and printing it on paper, it's just you and the tools, creating with your hands. I like to play some music and get into the zone. I've also been getting back into physical mediums like gouache painting. While it's not directly relevant to my work right now, I hope to integrate it into my projects in the future as I improve my skills."
4. Let your mind wander
In our always-connected world, we've almost eradicated moments of boredom from our lives. Any free moment can be quickly filled with a social media scroll or a few minutes of a mobile game. Yet, boredom can actually serve as a powerful catalyst for creativity. When we permit ourselves to experience boredom, our minds begin to wander, forge new connections, and discover novel ideas. By cutting back on screen time, we create more chances for this type of productive idleness. So, the next time you find yourself with a few spare minutes, try resisting the urge to grab your phone. Instead, allow your mind to drift and see what new thoughts and inspirations emerge.
5. Redefine the idea of 'productivity'
As creatives, it’s easy to mistake screen time for productivity. Since much of our work involves computers and devices, it’s tempting to equate time spent in front of a screen with getting things done. However, true productivity is less about the hours logged on a screen and more about the quality of the work produced.
Time away from screens—whether it’s taking a nature walk, having a meaningful conversation, or simply reflecting quietly—can be incredibly beneficial for generating ideas and solving creative challenges. By broadening our definition of productivity to include these off-screen activities, we can cut back on screen time without feeling guilty or unproductive. Michael Villa Sison, founder of Kuya, highlights the benefits of incorporating breaks into his routine: "One of the best things I've added is a walk during the middle of the day. It’s simple, but putting on some music, strolling, soaking up some sunshine, and letting my thoughts roam helps spark inspiration." Remember why you’re working in the first place. Illustrator and designer Anna Hamill shares, "I’m doing this for myself and as an example for my kids. I’ve started using an alarm clock and charge my phone downstairs, and I’ve created a reading journal to track my reading instead of using Goodreads.
"I don’t have social media apps on my phone—only on my iPad—so I avoid endless scrolling. Instead, I focus on reading books, painting, doing productive work, and taking long outdoor walks. These activities are great for my mental health. As someone prone to depression, these changes have made a significant difference."
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