The past three decades have been one big technology bootcamp, and whether we signed up for it or not, we’ve been sprinting ever since. From clunky dial-up connections to living our entire lives on smartphones, we’ve evolved into a generation that can check work emails, scroll TikTok, and track 10,000 steps — all while reheating leftovers. Convenient? Absolutely. Exhausting? Also absolutely.
We are, quite literally, drowning in information. The news cycle doesn’t sleep, notifications pop up faster than we can swipe them away, and somewhere between responding to 15 different WhatsApp groups and doomscrolling through headlines, our brains have quietly started waving white flags. Studies even back it up—all this digital overstimulation is messing with our stress levels, sleep cycles, and possibly our will to exist after 9 PM. Tech fatigue is very much a thing, and it’s hitting harder than a post-Iftar food coma.
And then, there’s the productivity trap—the modern-day myth that we should always be online, reachable, and “maximizing every moment.” Except what we’re actually maximizing is our burnout potential. The workday doesn’t end when you close your laptop, it just migrates to your phone, your couch, and sometimes even the bathroom (no judgment, we’ve all done it).
So, while technology has given us the tools to work smarter, shop faster, and stalk our exes more efficiently, it’s also left us mentally fried. Which brings us to Ramadan—a month practically designed for the kind of reset we genuinely need.
Unlike common belief, the month isn’t just about fasting from food but also about decluttering the mind, finding balance, and reining in the excess. And if there’s anything we’re guilty of overdosing on, it’s screen time. With shorter working hours across the region, there’s even more room to step back, slow down, and rethink how we spend our time. Here’s how you can break up (temporarily, at least) with your devices, all in the spirit of wellness, balance, and keeping your sanity intact.
Put Your Notifications on a Diet
Your phone doesn’t need to sound like a slot machine 24/7. Mute the group chats where everyone’s discussing what to order for Iftar — especially if you’re not even invited. Cut the noise so your brain can finally experience… silence.
Tech-Free Suhoor & Iftar — Yes, It’s Possible
We know—if you didn’t post your Iftar spread, did you even eat? But this Ramadan, consider giving your meals the respect they deserve. No screens, no scrolling—just you, your food, and maybe an awkward stare into space. Pure, wholesome vibes.
Replace Scrolling
Every time you reflexively reach for your phone, pause. Ask yourself: do I really need to know what a random influencer is wearing today? Or could I, maybe, spend more time with family, host a Ramadan game night, write in my journal or go for a long walk?
Social Media Fasting — A Detox Worth Trying
If a whole month feels extreme, start small. Thirty minutes a day where you’re completely offline. No Instagram, no TikTok, no checking if your Instagram story viewers list includes your ex. Baby steps.
Redefine Productivity (Hint: It’s Not Emailing at Midnight)
Not every minute needs to be monetized. This Ramadan, productivity can mean calling your grandma, reading a book or just sitting with your own thoughts without immediately escaping into a reel marathon.
Upgrade Your Pre-Bed Ritual
If your current wind-down routine is TikTok > existential crisis > 3 hours of revenge bedtime procrastination, it’s time to rework the script. Read something that doesn’t glow, sit on your balcony, or just enjoy the sound of your phone not vibrating every 10 seconds.
Technology isn’t evil, we all love a good meme scroll as much as the next person, but the constant noise? That’s optional.
