This month, I started a small personal experiment.

I was watching Jade Electra’s stories when she mentioned taking a break from social media and using an app called Roots to help her unplug. Out of curiosity, I went to download it—only to discover it was already on my phone.

Two apps like it, in fact. 🚩 That felt like a sign.

It got me thinking about how much time I really spend on my phone. While I often use it for work or connection, I’ve also caught myself spiraling into endless doom scrolling under the excuse of “looking for inspiration.” But instead of feeling inspired, I usually end up feeling anxious, disconnected, or stuck in comparison mode. It doesn’t feel good.

So this past weekend, I decided to try a little challenge using the Roots app:
Four unlocks per day.
Five minutes each.

That’s it.

By the way, five minutes goes fast. I could only respond to one, maybe two messages. Or check my notifications. But it’s not enough to mindlessly scroll—which was exactly the point.

What I found was surprising and humbling:

  • I stayed under my goal of 100 pickups per day (barely 🥴)
  • I became more intentional with who I connected with and why
  • I realized how much time social apps quietly pull from my day

And I felt the pull of wanting to check in—not just with the people I talk to every day—but the outer circle I still care about.

I also happened to come down with a brutal stomach bug at the same time, which further forced me to slow down. Between the two, I was reminded of something important:

We miss a lot when we’re constantly plugged in.

It’s not just about screen time. It’s about presence. It’s about giving ourselves time to feel, to think, to be—without external noise. It’s about reconnecting with ourselves and with our people, intentionally.

I don’t think I’ll disappear from social media entirely—it can be a beautiful tool for connection and community. But again I’m now more aware of the balance I want.

I want to spend less time scrolling and more time living.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your phone, or found yourself reaching for it out of habit, I encourage you to try a mini reset—even just for a weekend. You might be surprised what it brings up for you, too.

PS: If you’ve tried something like this, I’d love to hear about it. What helps you stay grounded in a hyper-connected world?