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Would I Do It Again?

Would I Do It Again? My Honest Review of Going Tech-Free for a Day

Let’s face it—technology is woven into every fiber of our daily lives. From the moment we wake up and check our phones to the late-night scroll on social media, we’re constantly plugged in. So, what happens when you unplug everything for a full 24 hours? That’s the question I sought to answer when I decided to go completely tech-free for a day. No phone. No laptop. No smartwatch. Nothing.

This article isn’t just another digital detox tale—it’s my honest, raw, and personal review of what it really feels like to disconnect in a hyperconnected world. If you’ve ever wondered whether going tech-free is worth it—or even possible—this deep dive is for you.

What Does “Tech-Free for a Day” Actually Mean?

Before I could begin the challenge, I had to define what tech-free meant for me. Here’s how I laid down the ground rules:

  • No phones (not even for the clock or camera)

  • No computers or tablets

  • No streaming services

  • No smart home devices

  • No social media

  • No internet at all

Allowed:

  • Physical books

  • Journals or notebooks

  • Board games or puzzles

  • Outdoor activities

  • Talking to people (you know, the old-fashioned way)

I basically stripped my day down to analog-only living. It wasn’t easy, but that’s what made it worth trying.

Why I Decided to Go Tech-Free

We all talk about how “we spend too much time on our phones,” but I decided to put those words into action. After glancing at my screen time report and seeing 7+ hours daily, I realized I was sacrificing a lot—focus, peace, creativity, real-world experiences.

I wanted to reclaim a day. One whole day to think, feel, and exist without a digital tether.

This wasn’t about being anti-technology. I love tech. But I wanted to understand my relationship with it better. And to be honest, I needed a break.

The Morning Without Technology

Waking up without my phone alarm already felt strange. I used an old-school alarm clock instead (yes, those still exist). Normally, I’d check emails, news, or social media before even brushing my teeth. But this time, I just… sat there. Quietly.

I brewed coffee, journaled, and read a physical book—The kind with real pages and a spine! I felt more grounded. But around 9 AM, my fingers twitched for a screen. I had muscle memory urges to check messages. It was weird. And kind of eye-opening.

Midday Realizations and Struggles

This was the toughest part of the day. No emails, no GPS, no playlists, no memes—just me and my thoughts.

I tried going for a walk, but I kept reaching for my phone that wasn’t there. I realized how often I escape boredom with technology. Even lunch felt quiet. Too quiet. There was no podcast to fill the silence.

By midday, though, something shifted. I started to lean into the slowness. I noticed the way the breeze felt on my skin. I paid attention to my breathing. I wasn’t “productive,” but I was present. That’s a different kind of value.

Evening Reflections and Unexpected Wins

Evening usually means Netflix or doomscrolling. But this time, I played cards with my partner, took a long bath, and had a real conversation.

And guess what? I felt calm. Like, deeply calm.

I slept better that night than I had in weeks. My mind wasn’t racing. I didn’t go to bed overstimulated from blue light and noise. It was a little magical, honestly.

The Benefits I Noticed From a Tech-Free Day

Here are the real, tangible benefits I noticed after just 24 hours:

1. Mental Clarity

Without notifications and constant input, my mind had room to breathe. I could actually think creatively without interruption.

2. Better Sleep

No screens = no blue light = deep, restful sleep. It’s science, and it works.

3. Reduced Anxiety

No comparison traps, no bad news, no inbox dread. Just me in the moment.

4. Real-World Connection

I felt more present with people. More patient. More open.

5. Time Expansion

Time felt slower in a good way. I wasn’t rushing. I was savoring.

The Downsides (Yes, There Were Some)

It wasn’t all sunshine and roses. There were definite challenges.

1. Inconvenience

Need a recipe? A ride? Directions? Too bad. No tech = no shortcuts.

2. Isolation

I couldn’t message friends or check in with family. It felt a bit lonely.

3. Boredom

There were moments when I felt straight-up bored. But I learned to sit with it. That’s a lesson in itself.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. But with a twist.

I wouldn’t go cold turkey every week, but I’ve decided to integrate “tech-lite” days into my schedule. Maybe one evening per week or a half-day on Sundays.

The clarity, calm, and reconnection I experienced was too valuable to ignore. If you’re drowning in digital noise, I highly recommend trying it—even just once.

Tips for Your Own Tech-Free Day

Thinking of trying it out yourself? Here’s a quick guide to help:

1. Plan Ahead

Tell people you’re going offline. Plan your meals, print out maps or recipes, and pick your offline activities.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Decide what counts as “tech.” Stick to it.

3. Replace, Don’t Just Remove

Have a book ready, go for a hike, paint, journal, or cook. Don’t just sit in silence—unless you want to.

4. Reflect

Write down what you felt. What was hard? What was easy? What surprised you?

FAQs About Going Tech-Free

Q: Can I use my phone just for emergencies?

A: Ideally, no. But if you’re worried, keep it off and nearby for true emergencies only.

Q: Will I get bored?

A: Probably. But that’s not a bad thing. Boredom often sparks creativity and mindfulness.

Q: How do I avoid missing important messages?

A: Let people know ahead of time. Set an auto-reply on your email and voicemail if needed.

Q: Can I listen to music on vinyl or a CD player?

A: Totally! As long as it doesn’t connect to the internet, it counts.

final thoughts 

So—would I do it again? You bet.

Going tech-free for a day isn’t just a challenge—it’s a mirror. It shows you how deeply tech runs your life, how much you rely on it, and how powerful it is to pause.

In those 24 hours, I felt more grounded, more alive, and more connected to what truly matters. I wasn’t trying to escape the digital world forever. But I came back to it more aware, more intentional, and more balanced.

If you're reading this, maybe it’s your sign. Try it. Go tech-free for a day.

You might be surprised at what you find in the silence.

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