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Screens are draining you more than you think
Learn the science of digital overload and simple detox strategies that work
Mario Peshev
September 28, 2025
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Welcome to The Smarter Brain, a curation of thought-provoking ideas and actionable reads to help you build better habits and become more productive.
Happy reading - See you on Wednesday!
Cheers,
The Smarter Brain Team
Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
3 Ideas for Better Habits
Focused, Not Frenzied
Cal Newport on intentional living in a noisy world.
“Digital Minimalism A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else.”
The Thin Line
Adam Alter on understanding digital addiction.
“There isn’t a bright line between addicts and the rest of us. We’re all one product or experience away from developing our own addictions.”
Love Your Life, Not Your Screen
Catherine Price on building healthier tech habits.
“Breaking up with your phone means giving yourself the space, freedom, and tools necessary to create a new, long-term relationship with it, one that keeps what you love about your phone and gets rid of what you don’t.”
Marketing ideas for marketers who hate boring
The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
The Marketing Millennials is a look inside what’s working right now for other marketers. No theory. No fluff. Just real insights and ideas you can actually use—from marketers who’ve been there, done that, and are sharing the playbook.
Every newsletter is written by Daniel Murray, a marketer obsessed with what goes into great marketing. Expect fresh takes, hot topics, and the kind of stuff you’ll want to steal for your next campaign.
Because marketing shouldn’t feel like guesswork. And you shouldn’t have to dig for the good stuff.
Productivity Tools and Resources
Power Down to Power Up: Using Technology Mindfully
Constant connectivity comes at a cost - stress, distraction, and burnout. This article explores the science of digital strain and offers actionable strategies to set healthier boundaries. Learn practical ways to bring mindfulness into your tech use.
How Unplugging Rewires Your Brain
Too much screen time overstimulates reward systems and disrupts neural pathways. Digital detox resets dopamine levels, restores prefrontal cortex function, and sharpens focus. Discover how stepping away from devices can reshape your brain for clarity.
Foods That Protect Our Eyes, Brain, and Energy
Digital detox isn’t only about unplugging - it’s also about supporting your body. This article highlights nutrition tips that protect your eyes and brain from digital strain. See which foods boost energy and resilience in the digital detox diet guide.
Less Screen, More Life
Flipd helps you reclaim balance by reducing screen time.With built-in tracking and mindfulness tools, Flipd encourages healthier digital habits that nurture focus, productivity, and well-being. Explore how Flipd supports screen-free focus.
What We're Reading
Nir & Far Newsletter - Struggling with distractions or scattered focus? This newsletter shares science-based strategies from behavior design and habit psychology to help you regain control. From mastering attention to building better routines, each issue equips you with tools to boost productivity, stay present, and design a life that truly reflects your values.
Brain Food
Today I Learned: 44% of people say they sleep with their smartphone next to or under their pillow. (Source)
Science: Nomophobia (phone anxiety) is linked to heightened activity in the brain’s reward circuits. (Source)
Have a productive rest of your week,
The Smarter Brain Team
Resource Spotlight
Digital Reset, Mindful Focus, Everyday Clarity
Monthly guides explore step-by-step strategies to regain balance in a hyper-connected world - from managing email overload to setting mindful screen limits. See how a digital reset can turn overwhelm into clarity.
Mindful Unplugging, Balanced Connection, Intentional Living
This research-backed guide shows how intentional digital detox helps you thrive without extremes. From creating screen-free zones to setting clear boundaries, it’s about meaningful connection - not rigid abstinence.
Real-Life Reset, Screen-Free Clarity, Reconnected Living
In this personal story, a week-long digital detox revealed profound benefits - deeper conversations, calmer presence, and restored clarity. Learn how even short breaks can shift your relationship with technology.
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