There’s this thing called FOMO—the fear of missing out. We think if we don’t check our feeds or open that group chat, we’ll be left behind. Someone might post something amazing, or a big piece of news might break, and we feel we must stay updated.

But I’ll tell you a secret.

Most of the time, we’re not missing anything because that funny meme will still be there later.

The world isn’t going to change because you took a break for a few hours. And when you step away from the constant buzz, you realize how much more peaceful life can be.

Constant news makes us constantly nervous

The internet loves drama. Every time we scroll, we’re hit with a “fire hose” of news, and most of them are simply bad news. Natural disasters, political arguments, someone else’s terrible opinion — you name it — that’s just everyday online life. And reading all of that sounds very exhausting.

And there’s more — we can’t do much about it because it’s a human nature to worry.

But there’s light in the tunnel. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

You simply don’t.

Things will change whether you worry about them or not. So maybe try something different.

Ways to be more offline (without moving to a cabin in the woods)

Going offline doesn’t mean you have to give up your smartphone forever. Small changes can make a huge difference. Here are some easy ways to unplug:

• Don’t use your phone 1 hour before bed. Scrolling at night makes it harder to fall asleep, and you don’t need social media dreams. Instead, try reading a book or just relaxing.
• Don’t start your day with the news. The first thing you see in the morning sets the tone for your whole day. Start with something calming— like a yoga, a quiet walk or just sitting quietly. The news can wait.
• Set phone-free times. Pick a time each day when you put your phone away—during meals, on a walk, or while spending time with family or friends.

Any other way of “offfling”? Share them in comments. (Spotify, X).

Nature is better at keeping secrets than your apps

Unlike your apps, nature doesn’t constantly ping you for attention. The trees (like the ones you see in the image above) have probably been there for decades and they just quietly growing.

They don’t care about likes or shares—they just exist.

So spending time outside helps you reconnect with that simplicity. A walk in the woods clears your head and reminds you of what’s really important.

It’s not about escaping; it’s about recharging.

Take the OFFLINE LENS challenge

Here’s a simple challenge: spend one hour completely offline today. Turn off your phone, step outside, and just look around. Notice the trees, stretching endlessly toward the sky. Feel the fresh air. Listen to the world around you.

You’ll feel calmer, happier, and more focused.

And who knows? You might even inspire someone else to join you.

Let’s make “offline” the ultimate life upgrade.