Yep, it’s December.
Yep, we’re in the middle of the Christmas prep, New Year’s prep, we’re trying to show up at work, for our friends, for our family, we’re trying to reach our 2025 goals.
Yep, we should be running around getting everything done.
And yep, instead we spend hours on our phones, scrolling on social media, watching other people have their life together, while feeling sorry for ourselves and stressing ourselves out, because we still haven’t even completed half of our to-do list.
Does that sound like you right now?
There is no judgment here, this is a safe space, so honestly, is that how you’re feeling?
If it is, I think it’s time for a December digital detox day.
(ps. You can do this any time of year.)
Join us on this adventure to reclaim real-life balance and beat the December stress.
Real Quick: What is a digital detox?
An intentional period of time away from screens and digital devices (phones, computers, social media, email) to break the cycle.
Just 5 minutes, or more, or even less.
Just a few moments where your brain is not trying to process tons of information on a screen.
Just a few moments where you can actually notice yourself, the things around you, the sounds, the sights, the smells.
Doing a December digital detox day is the perfect timing! With 2026 around the corner, this gives us a dedicated time for reflection and recharging.
Uh… Tell me why?
Reduced stress and anxiety
Our constant online presence has a few negative side effects, such as FOMO, notifications, negative news cycles, social expectations, which all trigger the production of cortisol (yeah, that stress hormone that seems to be trending).
When you engage in this and are exposed to it daily, it can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.
Breaking the cycle by taking a break for just a few minutes, or a day, where you are intentionally offline, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Better mood
The constant dopamine rush you get from notifications, short videos on social media and instant gratification, desensitize reward pathways.
Reward pathways in your brain are networks that are responsible for processing rewards and reinforcing actions that lead to happiness.
When you are constantly exposed to all these short-term, instant gratifications, and continuously experience happiness, your brain will stop trying to get happiness through tasks that require more work.
On top of that comes overstimulation (e.g. bright colors, quick scene changes, loud sounds, etc.), which suppresses our ability to regulate our moods.
If you take some time and participate in this December digital detox day, you will be working towards re-wiring your brain to improve your mood.
Enhanced real-world connections
We are getting so used to connecting remotely, that we don’t even always realize how much nicer it is to actually connect with someone in person.
When you’re together with someone in person, it stimulates the release of oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”), which is also one of the happy hormones.
Besides, have you ever noticed (or been scolded for doing) this: you’re talking to someone, and they hear a notification on their phone, and as if you weren’t just in a conversation, they reach for their phone, completely ignoring you.
And it doesn’t stop. They might pretend to listen, but they’re not hearing you.
That’s what happens to us in the real world, when we waste our time prioritizing our phones over our connections.
That’s why it’s so important for us to really participate in this December digital detox day, and to get a grip on our personal real-world connections again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your December Digital Detox Day
1. Set your intentions and duration
Start small, and gradually increase.
It can be as short as 5 minutes, or as long as you think you can handle/your life allows.
2. Unplug fully
At the very least turn off your notification sounds.
Even better, put your phone in a different room/area, so you are less tempted to grab it.
3. Fill the time meaningfully
Especially in the beginning it might be hard to find fun things to do other than being on your phone.
Here are some ideas:
- Go for a walk
- Start a journal
- Read a physical book
- Go to the gym
- Tidy up that corner of the house that you’ve been putting off
- Start a scrapbook
- Bake or cook something
- Sit outside to enjoy the sun
- Listen to the birds
A Few ProTips to Make Your December Digital Detox Day Even Better
- Track your mood pre/post-detox and see if you notice a growing difference.
- Implement daily habits centered around digital detoxing e.g. no social media after 8pm.
A digital detox isn’t deprivation – it’s liberation for a mentally refreshed start to 2026.
Give a December digital detox day a try.
No matter how small, you are taking a step into the future, to find a balanced adventure.
Share your progress with us, so we can uplift and motivate each other.
And don’t forget to subscribe for more daily mental reset challenges that take less than 5 minutes to get you all ready for the new year.
Unplug to recharge – your most balanced adventure awaits in the real world.
