Overview

  • Difficulty:
  • Best Use:
    Useful for minimizing overstimulation or comparison-based anxiety
  • Time:
    10-15 min
  • Tools:

What to do

  1. Identify specific times of day (e.g., morning and evening) for screen-free periods.
  2. Limit or block notifications that frequently disrupt your attention.
  3. Designate specific spaces at home or work as tech-free zones.
  4. Regularly take scheduled breaks from screens (e.g., every hour take a 5-10 minute screen-free break).
  5. Implement nighttime tech routines, such as turning off devices or setting devices to night mode at least one hour before bedtime.
  6. Replace screen time with calming, offline activities like reading, journaling, or gentle movement.

When to use

Why it works

Setting tech boundaries significantly reduces overstimulation of the nervous system, lowering exposure to anxiety-inducing triggers such as social comparison and sensory overload from constant notifications. Reduced screen time before bedtime can also improve sleep quality, as exposure to blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, essential for restful sleep. By limiting unnecessary technology interactions, you support your nervous system in returning to a calmer baseline, enhancing emotional and cognitive regulation.

Benefits

  • Helps lower anxiety levels
  • Reduces stress
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Supports better attention and focus over time
  • Significantly benefits individuals with ADHD
  • Contributes to greater emotional well-being and increased resilience against digital burnout and anxiety

Tips

  • Clearly communicate your boundaries to family, friends, and colleagues to maintain support
  • Use apps or device features (such as screen-time monitoring) to reinforce boundaries
  • Replace screen time with enjoyable, relaxing offline activities to increase adherence
  • Regularly review and adjust boundaries based on their effectiveness

What to expect

Variations

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions