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Each year we tell ourselves to download one of the hundreds of 'screen time reduction apps', but sometimes it takes more than that to kick such a tough habit.

We live in a world where our phones are both our lifeline and most obvious source of distraction. Notifications, endless scrolling, and an ever-expanding array of apps can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the real world.

The good news? Ireland (you know, the place with rolling green fields, beautiful beaches, picturesque lakes, rugged mountains and dramatic forests to venture through?) offers an array of opportunities to mindfully step away from your screen and choose the outdoor world.

Reconnecting with yourself, your community, and your surroundings is definitely an easier 2025 goal than the ‘75 Hard’ challenge, Dry January or Veganuary.

Here are some ways to embrace mindful disconnection, incorporating local gems and immersive experiences that make it easy to live in the moment. These activities have been ADHD-proofed, and the phone was firmly left unchecked as a result, so it’s basically a guaranteed success for anyone else!

Soothe the senses in a local sauna

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There’s nothing like the steam of a sauna to melt away stress and help you escape the digital hustle - mostly because you can't actually bring your phone into the wooden huts or it'll probably combust.

Helios Sauna in Dundrum has quickly become a haven for those seeking tranquillity in Dublin, after setting up its first outing on the Bray seafront. This Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary encourages you to slow down and immerse yourself in the sweltering experience.

The Swilly Sauna in Donegal, Wood Fired Sauna, D7 Sauna, Hot Box, and The Barrel are just a few well known small sauna brands popping up around the country. Leave your phone in the locker and try to have a conversation or a coffee afterwards without checking your notifications straight away - practice makes perfect.

Dive into the sea (literally)

Few things are as invigorating as a sea swim, and Ireland’s coastline is dotted with breathtaking spots to take the plunge - though January's freezing weather means only the bravest may try this method of email avoidance. Stepping into the Irish Sea is an instant reset button, and your brain will be far too occupied preventing hypothermia to think about Whatsapp, TikTok or Instagram.

Unless you love to brag about your sea swims (which is fair!), but maybe try to restrain yourself this time around. (We’ve seen enough Dry Robes at the Forty Foot selfies, respectfully.)

Swimming in cold water not only boosts your endorphins but also brings a mindful focus to the present. The shock of the cold forces you to be fully aware of your body and breath. Bonus: Many sea-swimming groups meet regularly, fostering a lovely sense of community, and they’ll hold you accountable if you try to bail.

Replace the little screen with the Big Screen

For an evening of immersion far away from your phone, head to your local independent cinema if you can. The Light House Cinema in Smithfield and the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar offer more than just blockbusters. Their carefully curated lineups feature arthouse films, retrospectives, and foreign cinema.

The dimly lit atmosphere and no-phone etiquette make these cinemas ideal spaces to switch off and get lost in a story. Whether you’re catching a French classic or the latest Irish indie, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective—and without having checked your notifications for at least two hours.

You can also visit spots like The Abbey Theatre to catch some live drama, with Emma currently showing until January 25.

And with the beloved Pálás Cinema in Galway shuttering, there's never been a better time to support your local picture house.

Community connections

In an era dominated by virtual interactions, joining a local activity group is a wholesome way to foster real-life connections. The Tangent Writing Group in Dublin is a welcoming space for creatives to share their work and engage in meaningful discussions.

If writing isn’t your thing, consider joining a book club like Leamh Rave, which encourages members to discover new authors and delve into thought-provoking discussions in person. Simply contact the organisers via their Instagram page to be added to the mailing list.

These groups are more than just hobbies—they’re opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and grow in a supportive environment. As an added bonus, these meetups make it easier to leave your phone at home. Dedicate time each day to sit with a good book. Local bookshops like The Gutter Bookshop or Chapters regularly host events, creating a shared space to celebrate the written word.

Reading allows your brain to rest from the hyper-stimulation of screens while improving your ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes. Challenge yourself to read a chapter before reaching for your phone in the morning or wind down with a novel at night and you’ll see a noteworthy difference.

Somatic Therapy (aka…movement)

Yoga classes, hikes, sports training and guided meditation sessions are all great ways to be present and active. Joining a team in particular is brilliant for meeting new people, and training plus matches keeps you occupied. Lots of workplaces offer classes for pilates as a way to encourage work-life balance, so why not attend?

It may sound silly, but one tip from mental health advocates is to try a ‘mindfulness walk’ where you focus on your surroundings without the distraction of your phone. As you wander around your local park, traipse down the canal or try a seaside view, describe in your head what you see, hear, smell, etc. It also works for museums or galleries, where you try as best you can to be in the moment with the work of art or piece of history that’s right in front of you.

Try to find a balance instead of detoxing

Mindfully disconnecting isn’t about rejecting technology altogether; it’s about reclaiming balance and finding perspective about reality versus internet. By incorporating these local activities and spaces into your routine, you’ll not only reduce your screen time but also rediscover the vibrancy of life offline. In-person connection is far more fulfilling mentally than online 'likes' or texts back.

The next time you feel the urge to scroll, book an activity-driven class and step away from your phone - or just go outside for any and all reasons.

Don’t beat yourself up if you only reduce screen time marginally; these apps are literally created to keep you hooked, and our current society typically doesn’t allow for detox. However, you’ll be amazed at the peace that comes with forgetting the digital realm exists for a while.

Tired of scrolling? Here's 6 ways to reconnect with the world

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Tired of scrolling? Here's 6 ways to reconnect with the world

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