We were never meant to live our lives backlit. Blue light, endless scrolling, the constant ping of notifications, it all adds up to more than just tired eyes. It taxes your nervous system, disrupts your circadian rhythm, and even accelerates skin aging.
It’s time for radical restoration. That means carving out space for stillness, unplugging from the artificial, and returning to rhythms that nourish.
This week’s 4 Facts Friday is an invitation to reclaim your energy, your clarity, and your glow.
One screen break at a time.
Healthy Living Tip
Seven hours a day… let me say that again, seven hours a day.
That is how much time the average American spends in front of a screen every day. That’s nearly half of our waking hours in front of a computer, TV, or phone screen. That’s a pretty mind boggling statistic, but probably not really surprising.
It is often nearly impossible with working environments today to get away from that screen time, but here is a simple strategy that can have a big impact.
Try the 20‑20‑20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eyes and your nervous system a vital mini-reset.
Microbreaks help your brain shift gears. This simple pause can refresh your concentration, lower mental fatigue, and even reduce overwhelm especially if you're task-switching or emotionally processing screen content.
Recipe I’m Loving
Nourish your eyes, calm your nerves, and refresh your focus with this nutrient packed smoothie recipe.
Carrot Turmeric Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tbsp flaxseed or chia
1/2 cup coconut water (hydrating electrolytes)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk (I make mine fresh)
Optional: pinch of black pepper (to activate turmeric benefits)
Directions:
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Add all ingredients to a blender.
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Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
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Pour into a glass, take a deep breath, and enjoy screen-free with a moment of natural light or greenery nearby.
Natural Living DIY
This calming, screen-free tool is perfect for adults and kids alike. It helps reawaken your senses and reconnect you with the earth after too much digital noise.
Screen Free Sensory Box
What You’ll Need:
A small wooden or woven box, basket, or tray
A few smooth river stones or crystals (grounding touch)
A small jar of dried lavender or rosemary (calming scent)
A beeswax candle or tea light (natural glow)
A pinecone, feather, or acorn (connection to nature)
A handwritten affirmation or Scripture card
A tiny jar of herbal tea or dried citrus peels (invites ritual)
🌞 How to Use It:
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Set aside 10–15 screen-free minutes, preferably outdoors or by a sunny window.
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Light the candle, breathe in the scent, hold the stones in your hand, and read your affirmation aloud.
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Let your senses guide you. Sip your tea, sit barefoot in the grass, or simply rest your eyes on nature.
Something I’m Pondering
What do we trade away each time we reach for the glow of a screen instead of the glow of the sun… or the glow of interaction with loved ones?
Our nervous systems weren’t created to vibrate with constant notifications. They were designed to settle and to be still, to hear birdsong, to follow shadows across the floor, to sit in holy silence.
As I create an unplugged lifestyle, I’m discovering that true connection doesn't come from endless scrolling. It comes from being fully here. The sound of wind in the trees. The flicker of candlelight in the early morning. The look in someone’s eyes when you're really listening.
Detoxing from screens isn’t deprivation. It’s a coming home.
Let’s return to the sacred simplicity. You are not missing out by disconnecting. You are remembering what matters most.
