Phone Free February is a real challenge, but it’s also a chance to press “pause” and reconnect with the world outside the screen. For many participants, the hardest part is the constant urge to check emails, social media, and just scroll mindlessly. Some find it tough to completely disconnect, especially when they rely on their phone for work tasks, reminders, or even a little morning routine.

“The mornings are most difficult– I think for a long time I was rolling out of bed and getting on my phone. I like having mornings back.”

The temptation to grab your phone during idle moments is surprisingly powerful. Many people find themselves reaching for it without even thinking—like a reflex! Whether it’s checking work emails or catching up on the news, the habit of “just a quick check” can be hard to break. It’s even harder for those who use their phones for things like managing childcare, navigating traffic, or reading audiobooks to unwind.

But here’s the silver lining: Phone Free February isn’t just about the struggle, it’s about what we gain from it. For many, the toughest moments (like holding off from mindless scrolling) are where the biggest breakthroughs happen. People are learning how to be more intentional with their phone use, rediscovering the joy of mornings without screens, and even realising just how much time they get back when they aren’t glued to their devices.

“The hardest part has been holding myself accountable when I do have free moments to not just reach into my drawer and grab out the phone and start mindless fidgeting on it! Granted due to my life circumstances, I do genuinely need my phone at times throughout the day, but for the most I am good at putting it down once I am done, it’s just when I have free time that it becomes hard! It’s like my brain craves it, oddly!”

At the end of the day, Phone Free February is about balance—finding the sweet spot between staying connected and taking time for yourself. And while it’s tough, it’s making us all a little more mindful, one phone-free day at a time!