People are ditching their screens and unplugging this weekend. 9 ways to make cutting back easier.

Think you could go a whole day without your phone or laptop? From sundown on March 7 to sundown on March 8, people are going tech-free for the 10th annual Global Day of Unplugging, which focuses on “elevating human connection over digital engagement.” But if being offline for that long seems too daunting, it’s OK; even a small break from your devices can still have health benefits.

“Whether it's just one hour or a full 24 hours, people everywhere will unplug from their screens to dive into offline activities, real-life conversations, in-person connections and meaningful moments,” Global Day of Unplugging organizers say.

Here are some easy ways to get started — and why it’s good for you.

The benefits of unplugging

More money? Better skin? The perks of less screen time are far-reaching.

You’ll experience less anxiety from notifications. Ping! Do you have a small freak-out every time a new notification pops up on your phone? That’s called “techno stress” — the anxiety you experience when you get a notification and feel pressured to address it. Those constant messages make it difficult to concentrate on other things, so do yourself a favor and turn them off.

You’ll get a much-needed news detox … If current events are stressing you out, the best thing you can do for yourself is to just step away for a bit. In fact, the author of one study on how to manage feelings of anxiety and depression found that the most effective way to tame these symptoms is to "avoid watching too much news."

… and a much-needed break from social media. What starts as one harmless TikTok video can easily turn into a hibachi baby rabbit hole. But spending too much time on social media is associated with a host of mental health issues — from feelings of anxiety and depression to increased irritability.

You're less likely to make random purchases. Those targeted ads can be incredibly effective — and 64% of impulse spenders end up regretting their purchases. Turning off your phone also means taking a break from online shopping — and your wallet will thank you.

You’ll gain more time with loved ones. A whopping 46% of teens accuse their parents of “phone snubbing,” or phubbing, which means their parents are “at least sometimes distracted by their own phones when they're trying to have a conversation with them.” But it’s not just a parental problem; we’re all a little guilty of spending too much time on our devices and not enough time with the people who matter most.

Your skin will thank you. The blue light (aka high-energy visible light, or HEV) from your computer and smartphone can lead to premature aging and dark spots. Bonus: Stepping away from screens is cheaper than a facial.

You’ll likely see a boost in mental health. One recent study found that blocking internet access on phones for two weeks resulted in improved mood, well-being and attention.

How to do a tech detox

Whether you’re ready to go cold turkey or just looking for ways to slowly cut back on your screen time, these tips can help get you going.

1. Turn on “do not disturb.” If you can’t bring yourself to completely shut off your phone, at least turn on the “do not disturb” feature so that it isn’t pinging constantly. Then, enjoy the silence.

2. Delete your most-used apps. Are there apps that constantly suck you in? Delete 'em. Purging your phone of the apps you frequent the most can help you resist the impulse to keep checking in.

3. Hide your devices before bed. Out of sight, out of mind? Don’t keep your phone next to you at night. Gather your phone, laptop, tablet and any other devices and stash them away so you won’t be tempted to stay up late scrolling.

4. Treat your phone like a landline. Pretend your phone is stuck to the kitchen counter, like the old landline days. Keep it in a designated room (like the kitchen) and only check it occasionally throughout the day when you’re passing through.

5. Try “the rubber band trick.” The book How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price suggests putting a rubber band around your phone. “Every time you try to unlock your home screen, the rubber band will make you pause for a moment,” Sheela Raja, clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, previously told Yahoo Life. “Then ask yourself: Why am I looking at this now? What is the purpose? And what else could I be doing during this time?”

6. Get a “dumb” phone. Modern life makes it difficult to completely cut the cord on technology. If you still need to get in touch quickly and easily with friends and family, hunt down a retro flip phone, sans internet, and try communicating that way.

7. Find some screen-free distractions. Get outside and go for a walk, keep your hands busy with some knitting or bake something delicious — anything that will get your mind and fingers off scrolling. Check out this list of 30 things to do when you’re bored if you need some more inspiration.

8. Have an accountability partner. One teen who cut back on screen time told Yahoo News that documenting her progress in YouTube videos helped keep her accountable and stay on track. But you don’t have to post about it in a public forum; letting other people in your life know that you’re trying to reduce your screen time can make the process easier.

9. Spend more time with like-minded folk. You’ll be less likely to long for your devices if you’re socializing with people making the same screen-free commitment. These teens in Brooklyn, for example, started a “Luddite club” to connect with other students trying to ditch screen time and social media.