In today’s world, we’re more connected than ever—yet, at the same time, we’re more disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones, and even our own well-being. As a physician, pharmacist, and founder of Murad Skincare, I’ve spent decades researching how lifestyle habits affect not only our skin but also our overall health. And one of the biggest stressors I see today? The endless presence of screens in our lives.

That’s why I believe in the importance of the Global Day of Unplugging— from sundown on March 7 to sundown on March 8, 2025—a time dedicated to stepping away from our devices and reconnecting with the world around us. It’s not about avoiding technology altogether; it’s about setting boundaries that protect our mental, emotional, and even physical health.

Why Unplugging Matters

Constant screen exposure—whether from our phones, laptops, or tablets—takes a toll in more ways than one:

• Stress and Mental Overload: The never-ending influx of notifications, emails, and social media updates keeps our minds in a state of overstimulation. This can lead to increased anxiety, difficulty focusing, and even sleep disturbances.
• Digital Aging: Blue light from screens penetrates the skin more deeply than UV rays, accelerating signs of aging such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity.
• Emotional Disconnection: Despite being “connected” online, excessive screen time can distance us from real human connections, making us feel more isolated.
• Reduced Creativity and Mindfulness: When was the last time you just sat in silence, letting your mind wander? Constant digital stimulation robs us of the opportunity to tap into our creativity and intuition.

How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Screens

Unplugging doesn’t mean giving up technology—it means using it intentionally. Here are a few simple ways to take control of your screen time:

1. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas in your home—like the bedroom or the dining table—as screen-free spaces. This helps improve sleep and fosters more meaningful conversations—even if you live alone (!) because you won’t be distracted by text and messages while you’re talking on the phone.
2. Set “Unplug Hours”: Choose a specific time each evening to put away your phone and engage in other activities, such as reading, drawing, playing an instrument, exercising, baking, journaling, meditating—anything!
3. Use the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.
4. Try a “Digital Fast”: Challenge yourself to spend an hour (or more) each day completely offline. Go for a walk, watch the sunset, play a game, indulge a hobby, or simply enjoy the moment without distractions.
5. Prioritize In-Person Interactions: Instead of texting, make an effort to call or meet up with friends and family. Real-life conversations nourish our emotional well-being in a way that screens simply cannot.

A Reminder: Your Skin Needs a Break, Too

Just as our minds need time away from screens, so does our skin. Blue light exposure can accelerate oxidative stress and premature aging, which is why I always recommend:

• Antioxidant-rich skincare: Ingredients like vitamin C and polyphenols help protect against blue light damage.
• Daily SPF (even indoors): Blue light exposure contributes to hyperpigmentation and collagen breakdown, so sunscreen is still essential.
• Hydration, inside and out: Digital overload contributes to stress, which can dehydrate the skin. Drinking water and using a hydrating moisturizer can counteract these effects.

Embrace the Power of Unplugging

For better or worse, digital technology has given us 24-hour connectivity—and not all of it is positive. That’s why one of the most important skills we need to develop—and exercise—is the ability to filter. In a world of 24-hour claims for our attention, it’s up to us to set boundaries in order to claim time of our own.

Taking a step back from technology—whether for a few hours or an entire day—allows us to reset, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters. On this year’s Global Day of Unplugging, March 7-8, I encourage you to put down your devices, look up, and experience the world beyond the screen. Your mind, body, and skin will thank you.

Stay healthy, stay connected (in real life), and remember—wellness isn’t just about what we put on our skin, but how we live our lives.

That’s #ModernWellness!