More Fun, Less Phone: 5 Ways to Reconnect with Life This Summer

As the days get longer and warmer, summer offers the perfect opportunity to reset—and not just your schedule, but your relationship with your digital devices. What if this season you traded screen time for sunshine, notifications for nature, and scrolling for savoring?

While smartphones and screens have their place, too much tech can zap our energy, distract us from meaningful experiences, and disconnect us from ourselves and others. Let this be your invitation to cultivate more presence, more fun, and less phone this summer.

Inspired by How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price and insights from digital wellbeing research, here are five ways to reconnect with life and create healthier tech habits:

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1. Reframe Digital Use: More Joy, Less Mindless Scrolling
We often associate our phones with pleasure and relaxation. But what are we missing out on while scrolling? A laugh with a friend, the feel of sunshine, the joy of movement. Less screen time = more real-life fun.

Try this: Make a list of summer activities you’d love to do—then notice how often screen time crowds them out.

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2. Know Your Digital Patterns
Do you know how often you check your phone? Awareness is key. Use built-in tools like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to uncover your habits and take back control.

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3. Create “Speed Bumps”
It’s easy to check your phone without thinking. Catherine Price recommends creating friction to help you pause. For example, wrap a rubber band around your phone or move social media apps off your home screen.

Bonus tip: Keep your phone out of reach during meals or social gatherings to stay present.

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4. Check In With Your Body
When you're on your phone, how do you feel? Are you slouched over, tense, disconnected? Pay attention to your breath, posture, and emotions. Let your body guide your digital boundaries.

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5. Set Clear Boundaries
Turn off non-essential notifications. Establish tech-free zones (like the dining table or bedroom). Consider a “digital sunset” where screens go off an hour before bed. Small changes can make a big difference.

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Want to go deeper?
Try a weekend digital detox or set up a tech-free evening once a week. You'll be amazed at what opens up when you put the phone down and tune back in to life.

This summer, let your goal be more fun, less phone. Make space for joy, movement, rest, and real connection. Your wellbeing will thank you.

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