From Stress to Success: How Unplugging Boosts Mental Health

Life as a teen can be stressful. Between classes, sports, theater rehearsals, clubs, and trying to keep up with friends, it feels like there’s never enough time. Add the constant pressure of screens, notifications, social media, and endless comparisons, and it can feel overwhelming.

When you spend hours scrolling, your brain doesn’t really get a break. Instead, it’s constantly comparing your life to the highlight reels of others. Studies show that heavy social media use is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression in teens. It’s not just about screen time; it’s about the way it makes us feel.

Unplug 60 offers a reset. Taking one hour a day away from screens helps reduce stress by giving your brain space to recharge. In that hour, you can do something calming, creative, or active, something that helps you feel like yourself again. Over time, these small breaks add up. You start to notice that you’re less anxious, more focused, and better at handling the challenges of daily life.

And here’s what’s powerful: unplugging isn’t about losing something. It’s about gaining balance. It’s about choosing your mental health over constant digital pressure. The more we practice it, the more control we take back.

When we unplug, we’re setting ourselves up for success, better grades, stronger confidence, and healthier relationships. That’s a reward no screen can replace.

Tips for Reducing Stress Through Unplug 60

• Use your unplugged hour for calming activities like drawing or journaling.

• Go outside for fresh air and light exercise to clear your mind.

• Avoid comparing yourself to others online by limiting social media use.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation during your unplug hour.

• Remind yourself that your mental health is more important than notifications.

About the Author

Cadence "Cady" Cardwell is a sophomore at Barbers Hill High School and a leader in the Unplug60 movement.