Unplugging to reconnect: What I learned from digital detoxing
With technology becoming ever more embedded in our daily lives, more and more people are seeking out opportunities to consciously unplug. Whether it’s putting phones away during dinner, taking a weekend away from screens or attending an organised retreat, digital detoxing is gaining traction as a way to reset our relationship with technology.
Digital Detox - a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world (Oxford Languages).
Since getting my first smartphone in 2013, I have to admit that the only significant breaks I took from it were forced upon me - either because my phone was stolen or I broke it! Becoming a digital wellbeing coach has completely reframed my relationship with technology and changed my digital habits for the better. But I was curious about the different digital detox experiences being offered and wanted to try them out for myself.
The Digital Detox Retreat
Last September, I traveled to Sardinia to attend a digital detox retreat organised by the Consciously Digital Institute (CDI) and Log Out Live Now. Set on a secluded agriturismo farm, the location was an idyllic escape from digital distractions - three nights completely unplugged.
The retreat was attended by people who had taken digital wellbeing coach training with CDI and, for many of us, it was the first time meeting each other in real life. After a delicious welcome dinner, we all handed over our phones, which were locked away in a secure box. Only the organisers, Anastasia Dedyukhina and Gavino Puggioni, would have access to their devices for the next three days.
At that moment, I felt a mix of emotions - excitement at the prospect of being free from my phone but also a slight apprehension at being out of contact with my family for three days (spoiler alert: my husband coped perfectly fine taking care of the kids and our dog). It made me realise just how much we rely on our devices, even when we tell ourselves we’re not that dependent on them.
Over the next three days, we focused on reconnecting with:
Ourselves: Through journaling, mindfulness exercises and a silent hike that gave us time for introspection and brainstorming.
Each other: One of the most striking things about the retreat was experiencing conversations without distractions. No one checked their phones mid-conversation and everyone was fully present - something that feels increasingly rare.
Nature: We practiced open-air yoga, hiked in a beautiful nature reserve and swam in the sea, fully immersed in the moment without the urge to capture it on camera.
I was surprised by how easy the digital detox felt. I didn’t miss my phone at all and in fact, most of us were reluctant to turn our devices back on when we got them back on the final evening. I do think that having a structured itinerary helped; if there had been more idle time, we might have felt the absence of our devices more keenly.
The experience reinforced how important it is to truly disconnect from time to time -not just by putting our phones on silent but by removing them from our immediate environment altogether. It also highlighted how much richer in-person interactions feel when everyone is fully present.
The offline community event
While a multi-day retreat is a fantastic way to reset, I was also curious about how shorter digital detox experiences might work. That’s when I came across The Offline Club, a series of events where people hand over their phones for a few hours and spend time on offline activities like reading, writing or simply socialising.
These events weren’t yet happening in Berlin, but serendipitously, one of their London sessions coincided with a family trip to the UK. The event promised a relaxing evening free from digital distractions, providing a space to unwind, meet like-minded people and catch up on hobbies that often get neglected. Exactly my kind of thing!
The event was held at Sketch’s bar (the Parlour) - a beautiful, atmospheric venue known for its stunning decor and ironically, a popular place for taking photos for social media posts! Upon arrival, I handed in my phone, grabbed a drink and found a spot to sit. The seating was arranged in a way that encouraged mingling, which I appreciated as I had come alone. Interestingly, everyone seated near me had also come alone, reinforcing the idea that people are craving more meaningful, real-world interactions.
The event was structured into two parts:
Solo time (1 hour): Everyone was encouraged to read, write, draw or engage in other quiet, solo activities with minimal talking. The hour passed surprisingly quickly!
Social time (1 hour): Board games were handed out but my group ended up just chatting. I spoke with people of various ages and backgrounds, including a number of younger attendees who had grown up with smartphones and social media. Hearing their perspectives was fascinating.
Although the event was short, it was refreshing. It reminded me that we don’t need to go on a full retreat to experience the benefits of unplugging - sometimes, even a couple of hours away from screens can be beneficial.
What I learned from these digital detox experiences
Trying different forms of digital detoxing helped me realise a few key things:
Being phone-free feels freeing, not frustrating. I didn’t miss my phone at all during the retreat and many of us were even reluctant to turn our devices back on at the end. Having a structured, engaging experience made unplugging feel natural.
Conversations flow more easily without digital distractions. Without phones on the table or the temptation to check notifications, interactions felt more focused and present. It was refreshing to be in an environment where everyone was fully engaged.
Time in nature feels richer when you’re truly present. Whether hiking, swimming or practicing yoga outdoors, I found that being offline made these experiences more immersive and restorative.
Even a short break from screens can be valuable. The Offline Club event in London showed me that you don’t need a full retreat to feel the benefits of unplugging. Even a few hours without digital distractions can help you slow down, connect and be more intentional with your time.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. And I’d encourage anyone feeling digitally overwhelmed to try unplugging - even if it’s just for an evening. You might be surprised at how refreshing it feels.
Ready to try your own digital detox?
Here are some simple ways to start:
Try a “no-phone zone” for an evening – Pick a room (e.g. the bedroom or dining area) and make it a phone-free space for a few hours.
Schedule a mini digital detox – Block off 2–3 hours one evening and do an offline activity you enjoy.
Go on a walk without your phone – Even a short walk can feel different when you’re fully present with your surroundings.
Organise a phone-free social gathering – Challenge your friends or family to put their phones away during a meal or event.
The Global Day of Unplugging is this week, running from sundown on Friday March 7 to sundown on Saturday March 8. This is a great opportunity to take a break from screens with a like-minded community of people and you don’t need to unplug for the full 24 hours. Why not see if there is an event being organised in your area?
Unplugging isn’t about rejecting technology - it’s about using it more intentionally. If you’ve ever tried a digital detox, I’d love to hear your experiences! Let me know in the comments.