Feeling drained by screen time? You’re not alone. This summer, consider unplugging, even just for 10 minutes a day, to boost your mood, reduce stress, and reconnect with what really matters. From outdoor time to offline family fun, this post explores the mental health benefits of taking a digital break and offers practical ideas to help you feel more grounded, present, and connected.
In today’s digital age, being constantly connected can feel exhausting. Scrolling through social media, seeing friends out and about, or watching “perfect” moments play out online can leave anyone feeling left out or like they’re not measuring up.
That’s why summer is the perfect time to step back. Whether limiting screen time or taking full-on breaks, unplugging even for a bit can bring profound mental health benefits. Just 10 minutes outdoors, phone-free, can lift your mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more grounded.
Nature is an incredible therapist. Whether hiking, having a beach day, or just walking through the neighbourhood, time spent outside has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood. There’s something about fresh air, natural light, and open space that helps clear the mental clutter. The Canadian Psychological Association has a list of benefits of nature exposure.
Try this: Encourage yourself to get at least 10 minutes of screen-free outdoor time daily. No phone, no scrolling, just being. Even something simple like sitting in the backyard or tending a garden can help bring calm and clarity.
When unplugging, we can connect with the people who matter most. Quality family time without screens opens the door to better communication and deeper trust. And it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Cooking a meal together, playing a board game, or just chatting about your day can make a big difference.
One of the most significant benefits of a digital detox is presence. Without constant pings and endless updates, we can slow down and enjoy where we are, who we’re with, and what we’re doing. Whether reading a book in a hammock or going on a spontaneous nature walk, being present is powerful and surprisingly rare in our hyperconnected world.
It’s worth repeating: social media is a highlight reel. People post their best moments, not their struggles or boring afternoons. So if you feel like you’re falling behind, remember: what you see isn’t the whole picture. Taking a break from these curated feeds can help restore perspective and reduce self-comparison.
Unplugging also helps us reconnect with the people around us. Face-to-face time with family, friends, or neighbours can remind us that we’re not alone. It also allows us to strengthen critical social skills like empathy, listening, and self-expression that are harder to practice behind a screen.
Are you looking for ways to fill the time offline? Here are a few favourites:
Painting or Drawing: A calming, creative way to express feelings.
Reading a Book: Dive into a great story and let your mind wander.
Taking a Hike: Nature plus movement = instant mood booster.
Going to the Beach: Nothing beats sun, sand, and no notifications.
Journaling: Writing can help process emotions and track growth.
Puzzles & Games: Great for rainy days and family bonding.
Taking a digital detox during the summer isn’t about going off-grid forever. It’s about creating space for yourself, your family, and your mental health. Small changes like no phones at dinner or device-free mornings can significantly impact the situation.
So this summer, take the time to unplug, get outside, and reconnect with the things that matter. You might be surprised at how much joy is waiting on the other side of the screen.
If you are still feeling down this summer, our therapists in Hamilton are here to help.
BODYMIND Collective is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississauga peoples, now known as Hamilton, Ontario. We recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and are committed to supporting the sovereignty of the Indigenous peoples who have been the stewards of these lands for generations past, present, and future. As a body-oriented psychotherapy practice, we understand that all of our ancestors had ways of connecting with their bodies through cultural and spiritual practices that were woven into their daily lives. With the emerging research on the connection between body and mind and the rising consciousness on this planet, many are now seeking a re-connection to this intuitive wisdom. We encourage individuals to connect with their own ancestral lineages to avoid appropriation of these sacred practices and work towards collective healing of the wounds inflicted by colonization.
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