Screened In, Stressed Out: It’s Time to Unplug and Reconnect with Real Life

In a world that never pauses, our minds are constantly flooded with notifications, comparisons, and digital noise. In the digital age, fear of missing out (FOMO) has emerged as a key driver of compulsive social media use. The more we stay connected digitally, it slowly erodes our peace of mind, leaving us anxious, restless, creatively drained and distorted sense of self-worth (1). Increasing scientific evidence indicates that sustained screen use contributes to greater psychological distress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms (2).

Offline is the new wellness, and it’s not just about “turning off the device” but offering the brain and body an alternative route to mindfulness, creative engagement, and emotional regulation beyond digital stimuli (3). Creative art can be the most beautiful way to log off; since it offers a gentle way back to silence, self and serenity. Exploring different art forms, such as painting, music, dance, pottery, photography or even mindful doodling, help us in unplugging from screens and engaging in creative expression (4). Scientifically it activates the brain regions linked to creativity, reward, and emotional regulation, thus supporting mental well-being (5). Creative activities such as painting, sculpting, or dancing engage fine motor skills, thus our hands, eyes, and mind work in harmony and improve focus, agility, and cognitive flexibility (6).

Unplugging from social media and connecting with creative art can be compared with the Japanese art of Kintsugi. It includes carefully mending the cracks in broken pottery with gold, creating something more beautiful and resilient (7). Likewise, art provides a restorative pathway for the mind; helping individuals acknowledge the emotional strain caused by digital overload and rebuild inner resilience through creative self-expression. In essence, art is a gentle workout for both the body and brain, enhancing coordination, easing tension, and fostering holistic health through creative expression (5,8). This dual engagement strengthens the connection between mind and body, and is an effective intervention to alleviate the mental stress induced by prolonged digital engagement.

References:

Galang, C. (2021). Am I in or out? Fear of missing out (FOMO) tendencies on social media among working young adults.

Nakshine, V. S., Thute, P., Khatib, M. N., & Sarkar, B. (2022). Increased screen time as a cause of declining physical, psychological health, and sleep patterns: a literary review. Cureus, 14(10).

El-Khoury, J., Haidar, R., Kanj, R. R., Ali, L. B., & Majari, G. (2021). Characteristics of social media ‘detoxification’in university students. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 16(1).

Cimut, D. A. (2024). Flow Beyond Screens: Examining How Digital Detoxes Shape Creative Expression and Individuality (Doctoral dissertation, University of Westminster).

Magsamen, S., & Ross, I. (2024). Your brain on art: How the arts transform us. Random House

Paonessa, M. (2025). How Creativity Unlocks Innovation, Collaboration, and Mental Agility. Public Humanities, 1, e72.

Palazzolo, G. (2025). Kintsugi Art, a journey through recovery.

Barnett, K. S., & Vasiu, F. (2024). How the arts heal: a review of the neural mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of creative arts on mental and physical health. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 18, 1422361.