Unplugging for Liberation: My 3-Day Tech Detox & Home retreat
When I asked myself recently how I was feeling about the thought of turning tech off for a few days, the word that came to mind was liberated. So, in the spirit of embracing that feeling, I did something that felt both radical and natural at the same time—I turned off my phone and laptop for three days. Completely. And I didn’t miss either of them. Not for a second. Well, maybe there was a fleeting moment when the cats did something funny, and I wanted to send a video to my husband, but other than that—it was pure joy.
As someone who is self-employed, it can be tough to fully disconnect. The lines between work and personal time blur easily when you don’t have a strict 9-to-5 structure. But if there’s one perk of being your own boss, it’s that you have the power to grant yourself a little break now and then. So that’s what I did. I gifted myself a four-day mini-retreat right at home, indulging in a bit of solo time around my local village, visiting the city nearby, and soaking in nature. Simple, yet liberating.
It made me think about boundaries—something I’ve always been quite good at in life. Over the years, I’ve had my share of challenging personalities test me, which has made me pretty firm in setting and maintaining boundaries, both with people and, work/life balance & with technology. Luckily, I don’t have an addictive personality, though I know how real that struggle is for many, particularly in my own family where addiction has caused its share of heartache.
So here’s a question for you: How would you feel if I suggested turning your phone off for three days? Excited? Liberated? Maybe a little anxious or nervous? All valid responses.
And hey, if you feel addicted to your phone, how human of you! Tech companies are smart. They know how to hook us in. It’s not that we’re weak—it’s that they’re incredibly clever. Maybe you scroll to relax, maybe it brings you joy—and that’s totally okay. But if, like me, you sometimes find it more annoying or distracting than anything else, consider giving yourself a break every now and then. It’s easier than you might think, and the benefits are real.
For me, staying sane and peaceful in this fast-paced world isn’t always easy, so I’ve put in place some small but powerful habits. No phone for an hour before bed or an hour after waking up, no phone whilst watching tv/reading, no phone in the bedroom! I post on Instagram and then delete the app for a few days every single week, I’m a big fan of scrolling for seconds rather than hours, I'd rather be out in nature or have my head in a book. And when I’m spending time with others, my phone is out of sight. These simple changes, I've been implementing for many years now and they have made a big difference, helping me stay more present and connected to the real world. It might not be for everyone, but for me, it’s a much happier way to live. I am not totally anti tech of course, I love Zoom I do a lot of my work online, and I adore what's app, with my closest friends being over 200 miles away it helps me feel connected to them.
This got me reflecting on the idea of hustle culture. We’ve all heard the term—it’s that mindset where constant productivity and the grind are glorified. Hustle culture says long hours, side gigs, and relentless ambition are the path to success. But at what cost? Anti-hustle culture, on the other hand, encourages balance. It reminds us that life isn’t just about work, even if that work is something you love. Anyone that know me, will know yoga is my joy and passion in life, business not so much.
I firmly believe we all need to hit pause sometimes, to slow down, to set boundaries, and to recognise that success isn’t just about how much we produce. It’s about living in a way that honours our well-being, our relationships, and our mental health. I try to embody that idea every time someone shows up for a yoga class with me—offering them a space to rest, reset, and restore.
But here’s the thing: none of this is easy. Our society often pushes us in the opposite direction. The pressure to keep going, to keep achieving, is real. Only you can decide what’s truly necessary for your own life and well-being.
In Ayurveda, my constitution is Pitta, which means I’m driven, passionate, and goal-oriented. Pittas are known for being strong-willed, but we can also be our own worst enemy, prone to frustration and burnout if we don’t balance that fire within us. If you relate to this, I invite you to find small moments to slow down, whether it’s joining me for a yin yoga class or simply turning off your phone for a day.
Sometimes, we just need to put ourselves at the top of the list and give ourselves permission to pause. You deserve it. I truly believe being able to switch off, not finding the time, but making it and knowing when you NEED TO REST is a SUPERPOWER
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