Digital Detox: What are the benefits of taking a smartphone break during Lent?

The carnival costumes have barely been put away in the closet when Lent begins. From Ash Wednesday onwards, many people traditionally abstain from meat, alcohol, or other indulgences. But fasting can take many forms these days: Digital detox is all the rage. Here you can find out why consciously reducing your daily screen time can be good for your health. And to make it easier, we’ve also compiled five practical tips for you.

Lent: What’s behind it?

Fasting has been a part of various cultures and religions for millennia. Depending on the faith, it serves as a time for repentance, drawing closer to God, or purifying body, mind, and soul. The Christian season of Lent lasts 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. In 2026, this falls from February 18 to April 4. Traditionally, meat and alcohol are abstained from. However, sweets and other indulgences can also be avoided – including digital media.1

What are the consequences of excessive screen time?

Smartphones, PCs, and laptops have become indispensable in our daily lives: they serve as work tools, for communication, and, with the help of apps, literally help us find our way. This has led to an “always-on” mentality, which can cause stress and negatively impact mental well-being. Possible physical consequences include neck, shoulder, and back problems, as well as difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances. Eye strain can also occur.^{2, 3}

Why is excessive screen time bad for your eye health?

Staring at screens for hours can trigger computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition characterized by eye strain. When our gaze is fixed on the screen for extended periods, we unconsciously blink less, leading to dry eyes. The eye muscles also become fatigued. Possible symptoms of CVS include burning eyes and blurred vision.⁴

To counteract this, you should schedule regular breaks during which you take your eyes off the screen. Drink enough fluids and ensure a balanced diet that provides you with sufficient vitamins and minerals. Important micronutrients for eye health and maintaining eyesight include vitamin B2 (riboflavin), found in milk, dairy products, meat, and fish, as well as zinc from meat, fish, nuts, and whole grains.^{5, 6, 7, 8}

Why do we spend so much time in front of screens?

One reason why we so often and readily check our phones is the feelings of happiness they trigger. When we receive a push notification or follow an exciting Instagram reel, dopamine is released in the brain. This neurotransmitter is an important component of our reward system. This triggers a whole series of short-term happiness rushes – and our brain always craves more of these.³

Always on standby, constantly nervous and in a state of perpetual anticipation: Does this sound familiar? Then a digital detox, or a “detox” from digital media, might be just what you need. How convenient are the 40 days of Lent for a smartphone detox?

Why a smartphone break is good for your health

Even a small change can make a big difference – and no, you don’t have to completely put down your smartphone: In a 2025 study by the University for Continuing Education Krems, limiting daily use to under two hours led to a noticeable improvement in participants’ well-being. The control group maintained their average screen time of 4.5 hours per day. The results after three weeks: Among other things, stress levels decreased and sleep quality improved.^{9, 10}

Tips: How can you successfully complete a digital detox?^{2, 11}

The following tips can help you significantly reduce your screen time. Perhaps you’d like to continue following them even after Lent and make them a regular habit in your daily routine.

Tip 1: Set realistic goals

Going completely offline overnight? Unrealistic! Instead, take stock of your current situation and your goals. The following questions can help: How long, how often, and for what purpose do you use your smartphone? Which apps do you really need? Then consider where you can save valuable time.

Tip 2: Mute your phone

Push notifications pull you out of the situation and distract you. Deactivate all notifications and try to tolerate the uncertainty of missing out. If you notice that this is making you nervous, distract yourself, for example with a hot drink, a short exercise session, or a (healthy) snack.

Tip 3: Restrict functions

Most smartphones today come with pre-installed apps that can restrict phone usage, such as time limits for certain applications. Incidentally, a black-and-white display demonstrably reduces a smartphone’s appeal and makes it more likely to be put away. Try it out and activate black-and-white mode in the settings.¹²

Tip 4: Create mobile phone-free zones

Create spaces where your smartphone is out of reach. These could be rooms like the bedroom, bathroom, or dining area. You can also consciously leave your phone at home sometimes, for example, when you go for a walk.

Tip 5: Look for analogous alternatives

For many people, waking up begins with a ringtone from their mobile phone. Try an analog alarm clock instead. Recipes can also be easily recreated from cookbooks, and when you’re out and about, a good old-fashioned paper map is a better choice than Google Maps. Who knows, perhaps the fact that you can reach some destinations without digital aids will bring just as much joy.

FAQ

What is Digital Detox?
The term “digital detox” is a neologism derived from the English word “detox,” meaning “detoxification.” It describes a kind of “media diet” in which media consumption is consciously avoided or reduced to a minimum for a defined period.³ This conscious reduction of screen time has been shown to improve well-being and sleep, as well as reduce stress—and is particularly suitable, for example, during Lent, when many people abstain from certain indulgences.10

What happens to the eyes when you spend a lot of time in front of a screen?
Prolonged screen use strains the eyes and can trigger computer vision syndrome (CVS). Among other things, we blink less, and our eyes become dry. Possible signs of CVS include burning eyes or blurred vision.⁴ Regular breaks, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet can counteract this.

How can you implement a digital detox in your everyday life?
One option is a smartphone detox. This involves consciously limiting your daily screen time on your phone to a specific period. Furthermore, it can be helpful to use analog tools instead of apps in everyday life – for example, classic alarm clocks or maps. If your smartphone is on silent mode, you reduce the risk of being disturbed by unimportant notifications.