Unplug Like a Pro: 5 Digital Detox Ideas for Creatives Who Still Want to Show Up
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but… stepping away from your phone won’t make your business crumble. 🤯
I say that with love—and also from a place of total experience.
Because not too long ago, I found myself checking Instagram analytics while brushing my teeth. Twice a day. Every day. What started as “just staying on top of things” slowly turned into an always-on loop. Maybe you know that loop?
Wake up. Scroll. Post. Check. Refresh. Repeat.
And then you wonder why you feel so tired all the time, even when your feed looks aesthetic af.
Let me be honest: creativity wasn’t meant to survive in the red notification zone.
So I tried something radical…
I unplugged. Not forever. Not dramatically. Just long enough to remember what not being hyper-connected felt like.
Spoiler alert: it was amazing.
But here’s the catch—I didn’t want my brand to disappear while I took a breath. I wanted to rest and stay visually present. So I came up with a system that helped me do both. And now, I’m sharing it with you!
5 Digital Detox Ideas for Creatives
(Who Still Want to Look Like They've Got It Together)
1. Pre-Schedule Your Presence
Before you take a break, carve out an hour to batch a few graphics that reflect your brand—quotes, affirmations, tips you already say on repeat.
Use templates (hi, I made some for you!) so it doesn’t turn into a whole design session.
What I use: Editable photo templates with built-in text prompts. That way, I can just drag in my message, match my brand colors, and boom—I’ve got content scheduled that still feels like me.
Use unique image-based templates so you can edit them to fit your brand without the expensive brand photoshoot! Image credit: Shamblen Studios
2. Shift from Perform to Support
Instead of always trying to post “new” or “clever,” create posts that simply support your audience.
Think:
Encouraging quotes
Gentle reminders to rest
Visual checklists or mantras
Aesthetic, low-effort captions like “stepping back to recharge—you should too”
These resonate way more than another sales pitch, and they feel aligned with the whole point of your detox.
3. Create a Visual Goodbye
Let people know you’re taking a short break! You can make a simple post or story graphic with something like:
“Taking a screen-free weekend. Recharging my creativity. Be back soon.”
It sets a boundary and keeps your feed visually active.
Your break becomes a vibe, not a disappearance.
Grab this template here.
4. Lean Into Quiet Marketing
You don’t have to say something every day to still build connection. Sometimes it’s just about being seen: your visuals, your tone, your overall energy.
This is why I love using brand-aligned photo templates. They carry your vibe even when you’re not actively showing up. It’s kind of like leaving your signature on the screen without being online… and all with minimal effort. 😎
5. Remember Why You Started
I remember when I first started my business and had boundless energy to work day and night (life in your 20s is a wild thing). But after doing that for months on end, I got incredibly burnt out and lost the excitement in my work. Sure, I was working with my dream brands like Benefit Cosmetics and PepsiCo, but I could barely even enjoy it at that point because I was so exhausted!
If you created your brand because you wanted freedom—freedom from burnout, from the 9–5, from hustle culture—then your rest is part of your brand story. Don’t leave it out!
Rest is resistance.
Rest is marketing.
Rest is required.
Give yourself permission to unplug without guilt. You’re allowed to rest without proving your productivity first.
Want to Unplug Without Disappearing?
I created a collection of photo-based Canva templates in my Visual Vibe Kit to help you batch content quickly and beautifully for your social media—no overthinking and no design degree needed.
✨ Perfect for:
Prepping for weekends off
Scheduling a mini break
Sharing supportive visuals with ease
Looking consistent without being online 24/7
[Free Download] Customize Your Detox-Ready Templates Here
If you’ve been feeling the nudge to unplug, take this as your sign. You really don’t have to hustle harder, you just need to prep smarter.
Cheering you on from a screen-free corner,
Amy
