Self-Care & Coping

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Digital Detox: Unplugging for Better Mental Health

Our phones connect us to everything — including endless bad news, comparison, and pressure to always be “on”. If you feel drained, anxious, or unable to focus, your screen habits may be part of the picture. A digital detox can help you reset.

How constant scrolling affects you

  • Comparison on social media feeds low self-esteem and anxiety
  • Blue light and late-night scrolling harm your sleep
  • Constant notifications keep your nervous system on alert, worsening stress

You don’t need to quit completely

A digital detox isn’t about throwing your phone away — it’s about using it intentionally instead of compulsively.

Simple steps to try

  • Phone-free mornings and meals
  • Turn off non-essential notifications
  • No screens an hour before bed
  • Unfollow accounts that leave you feeling worse
  • Schedule real-world time that doesn’t involve a screen

Frequently asked questions

Is social media bad for mental health?

It depends how you use it. Passive scrolling and comparison tend to harm mood; intentional, connective use is less damaging.

Talk to a therapist in your language. Therapists who speak English, Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin, by video, voice or chat. Find a therapist.

How long should a digital detox last?

Even short, regular breaks help. The goal is a healthier, more intentional habit — not a one-off cleanse.

Talk to someone who gets it

You don’t have to work through this alone. Mytherapist.ng connects you with licensed Nigerian therapists over secure video, audio, or chat — from ₦4,000. Take the free 2-minute check-in, or browse therapists to get started today.

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