Why Taking a Break is Needed
Let’s be honest—how many times have you found yourself scrolling endlessly through Instagram or jumping from app to app without even realizing how much time has passed? If your answer is way too often, you’re not alone. Here in Canada, we’re just as hooked to our devices as anywhere else. But the benefits of stepping away from screens are real, and the downsides of not doing it are just as serious.
The Benefits of Digital Detox
1. Mental Clarity: Your Brain Will Thank You
A friend of mine—let’s call her Sarah—was always on the go, juggling work, social life, and constant phone notifications. She felt mentally drained every day. After a week of turning off non-essential notifications and taking short breaks from her phone during work, she noticed a huge difference. Tasks that used to take forever were getting done quickly, and she felt sharper.
This isn’t just a one-off case. According to a 2022 study by Statistics Canada, one in four Canadians reported feeling overwhelmed by the constant flow of information online. Taking a break from screens gave Sarah’s mind the space it needed to function better, and it can do the same for you.
2. Better sleep, better you
Scrolling in bed is practically a national pastime at this point. According to Sleep Foundation Canada, 70% of Canadians admit to using their phones in bed, and it’s messing with our sleep. A client of mine, Jake, would spend hours late at night watching YouTube, only to wake up feeling groggy and exhausted. After a week of putting his phone away an hour before bed, his sleep improved, and he felt more energized in the morning.
The reason? Blue light from screens disrupts your body’s natural sleep rhythms. A digital detox, especially in the evenings, can help reset your internal clock so you can get the rest you need.
3. Real Connections Over Screen Connections
Here’s a fun fact: a study by MediaSmarts found that 62% of Canadian adults feel that phones have a negative impact on in-person conversations. We’ve all been out with friends, only to catch ourselves (or others) checking our phones mid-conversation. One of my clients, Lily, went on a weekend retreat where phones weren’t allowed. She came back saying it was the first time in a long while she’d had real, uninterrupted conversations with her partner. They were able to connect on a much deeper level because they weren’t distracted by notifications.
4. Say Goodbye to Anxiety
Social media can feel like a never-ending highlight reel of everyone else’s perfect life, and it can easily mess with your self-esteem. Michelle, another client of mine, found herself constantly comparing her life to influencers on Instagram, which made her anxious and frustrated. After a two-week social media detox, she felt more confident, relaxed, and in control.
This isn’t surprising. According to Mental Health Research Canada, about 60% of Canadians reported that social media negatively impacts their mental health. Cutting back can give you the emotional space to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own happiness.
5. Rediscover Hobbies You Love
Stepping away from screens can help you reconnect with things that bring real joy. Mark, one of my clients, used to love painting, but had replaced that time with mindlessly scrolling Reddit. After cutting back on his screen time, he picked up his paintbrush again and joined a local art class. It reminded him how much he loved being creative, something he had lost in the sea of digital distractions.
NOT Taking a Digital Detox—What’s the Cost?
1. Mental Overload: Your Brain Can’t Keep Up
Our brains aren’t built to process as much information as we consume each day. Canadians are spending an average of 6 hours and 45 minutes a day on screens, according to CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority). With that much time spent plugged in, it’s no wonder we often feel overwhelmed or burnt out. I worked with James, a client who felt like his brain was constantly in overdrive from juggling work emails, social media, and texts. After cutting down his screen time, he noticed a dramatic improvement in his focus and mental clarity.
2. Sleepless in Cyberspace
A good night’s sleep is hard to come by when your phone is the last thing you see before bed. Overuse of digital devices at night can lead to poor sleep quality, and one in three Canadians struggles with sleep disorders, according to The Sleep Foundation of Canada. Consistently bad sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it impacts your mood, cognitive ability, and overall health. One of my clients, Emma, found that her sleep was much more restful after she stopped checking her phone in bed.
3. Missing Out on Real-Life Moments
It’s easy to feel like you’re “connecting” through social media, but the real connections—the ones that happen face-to-face—are often compromised when we’re glued to our phones. In a study by Rogers Communications, 82% of Canadians admitted that their devices distract them from engaging with the people around them. Emma, another client of mine, realized she had missed out on important conversations with her best friend because she was too busy refreshing her social media feeds. Once she started putting her phone away during social gatherings, her relationships improved dramatically.
4. The Anxiety Spiral
Without a break from the constant stream of information, anxiety can start to creep in. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reports that one in five Canadians experiences heightened anxiety due to their digital use. Michelle, my client who struggled with social media comparisons, saw her anxiety levels drop significantly after her detox. Without constant notifications and updates, she was able to breathe easier and focus on things that really mattered.
Conclusion: You Deserve a Break
A digital detox doesn’t mean you have to ditch technology entirely or go off-grid in the middle of the woods (though that could be fun!). It’s about finding a balance that works for you. Whether it’s turning off notifications for a few hours, putting your phone away during meals, or going screen-free on weekends, the benefits are huge. You’ll feel more connected, less stressed, and more in tune with the people and passions that matter most.
On the flip side, not taking a break can lead to burnout, anxiety, sleeplessness, and missed opportunities for real connection. So, start small. Leave your phone in another room during dinner, set limits on social media, or commit to a tech-free Sunday. Your brain, your relationships, and your well-being will thank you for it.
If you’re not sure where to start or need some extra support, I’m here to help. As a digital detox coach, I can guide you through practical steps to regain balance and find a healthier relationship with technology. Let’s take that first step toward a more mindful, connected life together.