How to Do a Digital Detox in 2025 – Tips and Tricks

In 2025, it can feel like our whole lives depend on screens. I need screens to write my articles, contact clients and find new opportunities. And I know I’m not alone.

Whether it’s how you connect with friends or how you make your money, there’s no denying that digital spaces play a big role in the modern world.

However, when it comes to the end of the work week, I always feel ready for a screen-free detox. Sometimes, I feel burned out from too much time on LinkedIn, or sometimes I just feel the need to read a good book.

I love to find little ways to avoid social media and connect with people in real life – and it’s something I want to make more of an active effort to do in 2025.

So, how can you do a digital detox in 2025? How can you take regular breaks from screens without missing out? Let’s take a look.

Why do a digital detox in 2025?

As screens become a bigger part of all of our lives, it’s more important than ever to take breaks or “detox” when we can.

It’s so easy for the digital world to encroach on the real one. This can leave you feeling detached and lonely, even if it seems like you have lots of “friends” in your phone.

Spending time away from your screens – whether it’s just for a day or even longer – can improve your mental health, boost your mood, and help you build real-life relationships with the people you love.

How to do a digital detox in 2025 – tips and tricks

I think we hear “digital detox” and we envision a remote retreat where you’re not allowed to look at your phone (can you tell I just watched White Lotus 3?!).

But a digital detox doesn’t have to be anything big. So, how can you switch off from screens and get some good ol’ IRL time with your friends, family or by yourself? Let’s take a look at a few simple tips.

1. Re-direct yourself

One of the best ways to switch off from screens is to re-direct your attention. I think we often pick up our phones because it’s easy, but what if you made it easy to do something else instead?

I try to keep a book handy to re-direct my attention, but you could do a puzzle, speak to someone or go out in the garden. It’s all about finding ways to beat the boredom!

I find it so much easier to avoid devices when I’m hanging out with other people, so organise regular social activities. That will help you see the benefits of real-life relationships – and it’s sure to boost your mental health.

You could even arrange hobbies like working out or fitness classes on a regular basis. These activities make it impossible to use your phone, and they can give you a much-needed detox from screens.

2. Give yourself screen-free days

For most of us, computers or digital devices are an essential part of our jobs. If that’s the case, give yourself regular tech-free days.

I love to reduce how much I use screens at the weekend, for example, or you could use your holiday as a chance to switch off from the online world.

If you’re worried about your family not being able to contact you, you don’t have to switch off your phone. You could put it on “Do Not Disturb” or mute certain notifications. That way, you’re taking a break from screens but you’re still reachable.

3. Get out into nature

For me, the opposite of staring at a screen is getting out into nature. It means appreciating the world around you, rather than the one on your screen, and it can give you a bit of perspective.

If you can, detach completely. Don’t listen to music to absorb the natural world around you. If you’re somewhere remote, you might not even be able to use your phone.

That makes hiking or heading to local nature spots an easy way to get exercise and forget about online noise, but please be safe.

4. Leave your phone at home

Or even in a different room! When I’m at home, I like to put my phone in a different room. That way, I’m less tempted to pick it up just because I’m bored.

If you can, try going out without your phone. It might feel weird at first, but (as long as you’re safe), it can be a very freeing experience. You could go to the shops or go for a walk nearby.

Putting your phone in a different room can make you more productive, too. I like to do it when I’m working from home to avoid distractions. You’ll be surprised how helpful it can be to physically separate yourself from your devices.

5. Put limits on popular apps

If you don’t think you can do a full detox, why not put limits on your most addictive apps? I’m thinking about apps like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter (X?) where it’s so easy to doomscroll.

I’ve removed quite a few social media apps from my phone, as I find that barrier makes it less likely for me to waste time on there. Don’t get me wrong, it still happens. But it’s all about implementing those small, daily habits.

If you know a certain app is your weakness, make it as hard as possible to use it. Limit your time in digital spaces – and get out into the real world instead!

Do you like to take regular breaks from screens? What is your favourite digital detox tip? Do you have any ideas for a digital detox in 2025?

Tell me all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x