A month ago, after writing a blog about the benefits of disconnecting from your smartphone, I decided during the month of June that I would take a vacation from my  I-phone. Luckily, I didn’t take this vacation alone. Sheri Chisolm, a fellow Prime Time for Women member, joined me on this digital detox. And let me tell you—it was a journey.

The First Week: Withdrawal and Willpower

Sheri described the early days perfectly: “It was difficult at first being off of social media and not being immediately available via text and email.” But Sheri’s no quitter, and was grateful for her stubborn streak, which helped her push through the initial discomfort. Like Sheri, the first week without internet on my I-phone was the most difficult. I can’t tell you how many times I picked it up to google something only to realize there was no connection. It certainly was eye-opening to realize how often I reached for my phone out of habit, not necessity.

Gaining Control (and Sleep!)

One of the most valuable lessons Sheri and I both learned was how to use our phones more intentionally. Sheri discovered how to set her phone to limit notifications between 9 PM and 7 AM—something I’ve since adopted too. It’s a small change, but it’s helped me wind down at night and sleep more soundly, while still being reachable by close family in case of emergencies.

The Surprising Joy of Missing Out

As the month went on, I missed the daily playing of Wordle, Connections, and Strands less and less. I even found a workaround for my beloved Paprika Recipe App by texting recipes to myself from my computer. But what I didn’t expect was how much lighter I felt without the constant stream of news alerts and social media updates.

It’s not that I became uninformed—I still read the Washington Post—but the stress that came from being bombarded with headlines about global conflict, political turmoil, and tragedy began to fade. I felt more present, more peaceful, and more in control of my emotional bandwidth.

More Time for What Matters

With fewer distractions, I rediscovered the joy of jigsaw puzzles and had more time to read. I completed two jigsaw puzzles (one 1,000 pieces, one 500 pieces that was even trickier!) and read or listened to several books, including Beneath a Scarlet Sky, I Never Thought of It That Way, You Are Here, and The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride. I even got a head start on The Berry Pickers, PTFW’s July Book Club selection—weeks ahead of schedule!

A Little “Cheating” and a Lot of Growth

Okay, I’ll admit it: toward the end of the month, while on vacation and without access to my computer, I used my phone’s internet a few times. 🤷‍♀️ I felt a little guilty, but also proud that I had made it nearly the entire month without relying on it. And the benefits far outweighed the slip-ups.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. In fact, I’m keeping many of the habits I developed during my smartphone vacation. I’m more mindful of how and when I use my phone, and I’ve reclaimed time and mental space I didn’t even realize I was missing.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your phone—or just curious about what life might feel like with fewer digital distractions—I highly recommend giving it a try. You might be surprised by what you gain when you unplug.

Have you ever taken a smartphone vacation? Would you try it?
Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

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