Yesterday, I did something I have never done before. I unplugged from everything completely. No phone, computer, music, or television. Not even my Apple Watch. Nada. Of course, there have been days when I haven’t called or texted anyone, didn’t watch any TV, didn't listen to any podcasts, or didn't scroll. But embarrassingly, I can’t remember ever having done it all at once for an extended period of time. Now, one day is not by any stretch of the imagination an extended period of time. But when you unplug from absolutely everything, it feels expansive.
Now, I won't go into a 3,000-word essay about the need for a digital detox. However, I will say that, taking yesterday entirely offline, my biggest takeaway is that it felt really grounding. I didn’t feel any anxiety or guilt or “shoulds” all day long, and that was enough for me.
In this past Wednesday's newsletter, I mentioned the five things I am implementing over the last 100 days of 2025, and one full day a week off from tech is one of them. I think we all recognize the need for breaks from the constant noise and technology that surround us 24/7. But how many of us actually take a break?
Even as I grabbed my computer this morning to write this newsletter, I felt like yesterday was not enough, and I want more downtime. So after this, I will log out again for the day and night and reassess tomorrow. Besides, I have a sultry little book based in the Hamptons that I just started and would like to get back to.
What would it feel like to take the entire weekend off from it all?
THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR A WEEKEND FULLY UNPLUGGED
Starting with books: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, or from our dear friend Jessica Elephante, Raising Hell and Living Well.
One day is one thing, but multiple days in a row, you may need to let your loved ones know what you are doing. You don’t need the cops showing up for a wellness check and interrupting your zen den.
Get comfortable with the quiet. Take your daily walks in silence. Walk the dog without your favorite podcast. Run your errands without any distractions. Just notice the noises around you.
Allow yourself to sit and daydream. Yes, daydream. Journal. Make lists. Get all those to-dos, desires, and lists down on paper and out of your head.
Use this time to dive into one of your home projects. Clean out some closets, drawers, or a pantry. Not only will you feel grounded by not having your face glued to a phone, but you will also feel lighter with the decluttering of areas in your home. Win-win.
Read your coffee table books, or pull down those beautiful travel books and cookbooks for inspiration. I slowly meandered through this beauty yesterday - The Guide to Becoming Alive. Also, follow Flamino Estate on Spotify for some of the best at home playlists (the only reason my phone will be out today).
One of those said playlists (that is, if you are incorporating music into your off-tech time)
Have a notebook out on the table to write down all the thoughts that come up that you would typically grab your phone to look up, buy, or read about. I wonder if you return to that list on Monday, would those things still matter or interest you?
We gave up alcohol to elevate our lives. Take this time to assess how you are truly living and whether it is how you want to live. We all need to do personal check-ins.
Enjoy your life, not the perfectly curated life of someone else who shares online.
Over and out,
M.M.
THIS. EXACTLY. I've been beating my self up for my addiction to social media and realized just how much it is hurting me, just like alcohol did for countless years. It's a scary world out there. I'm loving Flamingo Estate and currently listening to the Autumn Equinox playlist. Love it. Always great stuff from you. Thanks, Mia XO