A month without a smartphone: healthier, happier, or more stressed?

A month without a smartphone: healthier, happier, or more stressed? Close-up of A man hand feel nervous tapping fingers. While working by using mobile phone sitting on sofa. (Jrjang/Getty Images)

January 21, 2026 at 7:56 p.m. UTC

By Chris Centore

Ever wondered what it’s like to go a month without a smartphone? One reporter took the challenge and discovered that her digital detox was actually harder on others than it was on her.

My analogue month: would ditching my smartphone make me healthier, happier – or more stressed?

A month without a smartphone: healthier, happier, or more stressed? Smartphone prohibition mark. (frema/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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