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I actually left every form of social media last year, and right now, the only account I still have active is my Pinterest account for the blog.
I particularly held on to Pinterest because it feels very clutter-free. I’m not constantly being bombarded with thoughts and opinions – it’s simply a place to relax and enjoy yourself.
Honestly, I highly recommend it if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by your social media platforms. A digital detox is something everyone should try at least once a week.
Just one day away from your phone and gadgets can do wonders. I know I reached a point where it felt like I was constantly overstimulated, and I had to let go.
So I left X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads – you name it. I knew I needed to leave for my sanity.
While I still use my phone – so it’s not a full detox – removing those stressful platforms has made a big difference. For one, I’m less stressed. Secondly, I’ve noticed I’m much more productive.
And most importantly, I rediscovered my love of reading. As a kid, I could fly through books with thousands of pages, absorbing every word.
Some of those stories are still burned into my memory. But my attention span had become so short, I was embarrassed and I knew I had to fix it.
That’s another big reason I decided to cut back on social media and screen time. And while there’s no one right time of year to start, I think summer is as good a time as any.
You’re likely going out more, seeing people, and there’s really no better way to strengthen your relationships than by being fully present.
Drop your phone, look up, and really listen. You’d be surprised by how much it can change your life.
So, in this post, I’m sharing a list of books I recommend to help you understand how your gadget use might be affecting you and how you can start stepping away from engineered addiction to foster real human connection.
In my opinion, that’s what truly matters, no matter how you look at it.
Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Saundra Dalton Smith
This reminded me that rest isn’t just about sleep – it’s about our whole self.
Dr. Dalton-Smith talks about seven kinds of rest we all need (like creative, emotional, and even sensory rest).
It helped me understand why I sometimes feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
This is the kind of book you read with a cup of tea and a notebook nearby.
I genuinely think this is perfect for a digital detox.
It will teach you to slow down and care for your energy in a way that feels kind and meaningful.
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke
This book made me pause and really think about how easy it is to get hooked on tiny pleasures, like scrolling or snacking.
Dr. Lembke explains how our brains are wired to chase dopamine – the feel-good chemical – but too much of it leaves us drained.
Her stories about people struggling with overuse made me feel less alone.
It’s smart but easy to follow, and I loved how it showed that we can find balance again.
It’s ideal for anyone looking to reset and step away from the constant ping of their phone.
A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload by Cal Newport
If your inbox gives you anxiety, this is the book for you.
Cal Newport breaks down how email (and messaging apps too) have taken over our workdays, stealing our focus and joy.
I loved how he showed that we can work better with less noise.
It made me want to build healthier habits and find new ways to focus.
This book is a breath of fresh air for your mind and a great push to unplug and rethink how we use technology in our daily routines.
Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter
It explains why our phones and favorite apps are so addictive – it’s not our fault, they’re designed that way.
Adam Alter dives into the science behind how tech keeps us hooked and gently shows us how to take back control.
What I liked most was that it didn’t shame anyone – it just helps you understand what’s really going on.
It’s perfect if you want to unplug but need a little help figuring out why it’s been so hard.
Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction by Gary Rogowski
This is such a lovely book.
It’s about slowing down and using your hands to create something real and beautiful.
Gary Rogowski shares his life as a furniture maker, but you don’t have to be a woodworker to enjoy it.
I found his stories peaceful and grounding.
It reminded me how good it feels to make things without screens or likes.
If you’re craving a break from digital life, this book will inspire you to do something with your hands – bake, draw, build, sew – and find joy in it.
Digital Detox: The Politics of Disconnecting by Trine Syvestern
Trine Syvertsen talks about how digital overload has become part of our lives and how taking a step back doesn’t mean you’re weird or antisocial.
It gave me real-life stories and simple ideas for cutting down screen time, like using analog tools or setting small boundaries.
What I loved most is how it talks about finding connection and peace outside of apps and messages.
It’s a thoughtful, comforting read for anyone ready to unplug and reconnect with the world around them.
Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal
I read this during a week I was feeling super distracted, and it helped so much.
Nir Eyal doesn’t just say put your phone away; he helps you understand why we get distracted and how to gently take back control.
It’s full of practical tips that actually work, and I appreciated how it talks about our relationships too, not just work.
If you’ve been struggling to focus or finish your to-do list, this book will help you clear the digital clutter and choose the life you want.
The Sirens’ Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource by Christopher L. Hayes
This one really spoke to me.
Chris Hayes writes about how our attention is being pulled in so many directions and how that’s affecting everything from our focus to our politics.
It’s a little more serious than the others, but still very readable.
It helped me realize how valuable my attention is and why I should protect it.
I think this is a great book for anyone who’s feeling mentally scattered and wants to understand the bigger picture behind our digital lives.
The Life We’re Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World by Andy Crouch
Andy Crouch reminds us that we’re made for real connection, not constant scrolling.
This book felt like a gentle wake-up call.
It’s about how technology has quietly changed the way we live and how we can reclaim deeper, more meaningful relationships.
I found it comforting and full of hope.
If you’re feeling lonely or overstimulated by social media, this book will encourage you to step back, breathe, and remember what truly matters.
A perfect pick for a reflective summer detox.
How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price
Honestly, this list would be incomplete without this lovely book.
It’s short, super friendly, and gives a 30-day plan to reset your phone habits.
Catherine Price makes you laugh while she helps you seriously rethink how much your phone is in charge.
It’s like having a cheerful coach walk you through a breakup that you actually feel good about.
Total detox gold.
Do you think you’re going to consider a digital detox? Let me know in the comment section below.
I’ll gladly share some of the tips that have helped me stay off social media and reduce my phone addiction.
And if you’ve already taken this step and done it successfully, don’t hesitate to share your story in the comments too – you never know who you might inspire.
Someone could be right at the starting line of their own journey, and your words could be exactly what they need.
