# How to Talk About Wanting to Reset Your Entire Digital Lifestyle
When you feel overwhelmed by constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the weight of being always connected, you might find yourself wanting to completely reset your digital life. But knowing how to express this desire to others can be challenging. Whether you’re talking to friends, family, or colleagues, having the right words helps you communicate your intentions clearly and get the support you need.
## Understanding What You’re Trying to Communicate
Before you can talk about resetting your digital lifestyle, it helps to understand what you’re really trying to say. You’re not necessarily talking about abandoning technology entirely. Instead, you’re expressing a need to change your relationship with screens and digital devices. You want to create healthier boundaries, reduce the time you spend online, and reclaim mental space that has been consumed by constant connectivity.[1]
When you talk about this reset, you’re essentially saying that you’ve noticed how much time screens take up in your life, and you want to do something different about it. You’re acknowledging that your current digital habits might be draining your energy, affecting your focus, or preventing you from doing other things that matter more to you.[2]
## Simple Phrases to Express Your Intention
The most straightforward way to talk about wanting a digital reset is to use clear, simple language that others can easily understand. One of the most direct phrases you can use is “I need to unplug.”[1] This phrase is powerful because it’s short, honest, and immediately conveys that you’re feeling overwhelmed by your digital life and need a break.
Another effective way to express this is by saying “I’m taking a digital break.”[1] This phrase suggests that you’re being intentional about stepping away from screens for a period of time. It’s different from just saying you’re tired because it shows you have a plan and a purpose behind your action.
If you want to indicate that you’re not completely disappearing but just reducing your presence, you can say “I’m offline for a bit.”[1] This phrase is useful when you want to let people know that you’ll be less available but not entirely unreachable. It sets expectations without making it sound like a permanent change.
When you want to focus on the gradual nature of your reset, try saying “I’m trying to limit my screen time.”[1] This phrase works well because it acknowledges that you’re working on the problem rather than claiming you’ve already solved it. It’s honest and shows that you’re making an effort.
## Talking About Specific Actions You’re Taking
Sometimes the best way to communicate your desire for a digital reset is to talk about the concrete steps you’re already taking. For example, you might say “I deleted some apps to clear my mind.”[1] This statement shows that you’re not just thinking about making changes, you’re actually doing something about it. When you tell someone this, you’re demonstrating commitment to your goal.
If you want to involve other people in your reset, you can suggest “Let’s have a screen-free day.”[1] This phrase is particularly useful because it transforms your personal goal into a shared experience. It invites others to join you, which can make the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
## Explaining Why You’re Making This Change
When you talk about resetting your digital lifestyle, people often want to know why you’re doing it. You can explain that you’ve noticed how much time you spend on screens and that you want to give yourself space to do other things.[2] This explanation is simple but powerful because it focuses on what you’re gaining rather than what you’re giving up.
You might also mention that you want to clear your mind and improve your focus. Many people understand this motivation because they’ve probably felt the same way at some point. You can explain that constant notifications and alerts pull you back into your devices, and you want to turn off the non-essential ones to create mental space.[1]
Another reason you can mention is that you want to improve your mood and overall well-being. Taking breaks from screens and spending time in nature or developing a calm night routine can help you feel better, and this is something most people can relate to.[3]
## How to Talk About This With Different People
When you’re talking to your boss or colleagues about your digital reset, you might frame it differently than when you’re talking to close friends. With work contacts, you might say something like “I’m trying to limit my screen time outside of work hours to maintain better focus during the day.” This approach shows that you’re being professional while also taking care of your well-being.
With friends and family, you can be more casual and personal. You might say “I’ve been feeling really drained by my phone, so I’m taking a digital break for a while. I might not respond to messages as quickly, but I’ll get back to you.” This explanation is honest and gives people a heads-up about what to expect.
If you’re talking to someone who might not understand why you want to reset your digital life, you can explain it in terms of mental health and clarity. You might say “I’ve realized that I spend way too much time scrolling, and it’s affecting my ability to focus and enjoy the present moment. I’m going to unplug for a bit and see how I feel.”
## Setting Boundaries While Communicating Your Goals
When you talk about resetting your digital lifestyle, it’s important to also communicate the boundaries you’re setting. You might say “I’m going to turn off notifications for non-essential apps so I’m not constantly distracted.” This tells people that you’re taking specific action and explains what they might notice as a result.
You can also set expectations about your availability. For example, you might say “I’m taking a digital break, so I might not see messages right away, but I’ll check in once a day.” This approach keeps people informed while also protecting the space you’re trying to create for yourself.
## Making It About Balance, Not Perfection
When you talk about your digital reset, it’s helpful to emphasize that you’re looking for balance rather than complete abstinence.[1] You might say something like “I’m not trying to give up technology completely, I just want to use it more intentionally.” This framing helps others understand that you’re not being extreme or unrealistic about your goals.
You can explain that you still need to use technology for work and staying connected with people you care about, but you want to be more selective about how you spend your time online. This balanced approach is easier for others to understand and support.
## Talking About the Benefits You’re Experiencing
Once you’ve started your digital reset, you can talk about the positive changes you’re noticing. You might say “Since I deleted some apps, I’ve been able to focus better on my work” or “Taking a digital break has really helped me feel less anxious.” These statements show that your reset is actually working and might inspire others to consider making similar changes.
