Breaking Free from the Screen: A Conversation with Daniel Ramamoorthy on His 100-Day Phone Detox
In today’s hyper-connected world, the idea of living without a smartphone feels almost impossible. Yet, Daniel Ramamoorthy, a global MC, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur, decided to challenge this notion. For 100 days, he stepped away from his phone, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, intentional living, and digital detoxification. I had the chance to sit down with Daniel to explore his experience, the lessons he learned, and how this bold experiment reshaped his life.
Let’s start with the big question, what made you decide to give up your phone for 100 days?
Honestly, it was a personal challenge. I wanted to see if I could do it. My phone had become such a central part of my life that I felt like I was losing control over how I spent my time. I was using it for everything, navigating with Google Maps, staying connected on WhatsApp, sharing my life on Instagram, streaming music on Spotify, and even making decisions with ChatGPT. It wasn’t just a tool; it was my crutch. I needed to step back and see what life looked like without it.
Did you realize how dependent you were on your phone before starting this detox?
I knew I was dependent, but I didn’t fully grasp the extent of it until I started the detox. I was spending an average of 10 to 12 hours a day on my phone. That’s a full workday and more! I had tried to cut back before, using apps to track my screen time, setting alarms to remind me to log off, but nothing worked. I even attempted shorter detoxes, like avoiding social media, but I always slipped right back in. This time, I knew I had to go all in.
What was the hardest part of the first few weeks?
The hardest part was breaking the habit of reaching for my phone for every task – be it an impulsive buy or checking the newsfeed. It was almost instinctual, if I had a spare second, I’d grab my phone to scroll through TikTok, check emails, or browse Amazon. It was uncomfortable at first, but it forced me to find new ways to fill my time. I started solving Sudoku puzzles, reading books, and even just sitting with my thoughts. It was a strange but liberating experience.
How did this detox impact your relationships?
And I must say that I’m significantly more present and intentional about whatever I’m doing.
Did you notice any changes in your daily habits or routines?
Absolutely. My evenings were the first to change. Without the option to scroll through my phone in bed, I developed a 30-minute pre-sleep routine. I’d solve puzzles, read, or just wind down in a more mindful way. It improved my sleep quality and helped me start each day feeling more refreshed. My mornings also became more intentional. I continue my “5G Routine” God, Gym, Goal, Growth, and Gratitude. These pillars helped me stay grounded and focused, even without the usual distractions.
You’ve mentioned before that time is your most precious resource. Can you tell us more about how that perspective shaped your detox?
That perspective comes from a conversation I had years ago at the DLD Conference, where I was moderating. I met Joy, a fellow entrepreneur, and during a dinner conversation, I asked her what she considered the most precious resource in life. Her answer was simple but profound: “Time. You can lose and recover money, possessions, or opportunities, but time, once gone, is irretrievable.” That answer has stayed with me ever since. It’s something I now share with everyone I coach or speak to. This detox was a way for me to honor that lesson, to reclaim my time and use it intentionally. It’s a reminder that every moment matters, and we have to be deliberate about how we spend it.
What about your work? Did being phone-free affect your professional life?
It did, and not always in ways I expected. I worried that clients and collaborators might think I was unresponsive or uninterested. Without instant communication, I had to rely on emails through my team and more structured ways of staying in touch. It felt like a risk, but it also made me realize how much of my work had been reactive rather than proactive. By stepping back, I was able to focus on long-term goals and creative projects that I had been putting off.
Did you discover any new hobbies or interests during this time?
Yes! With all the extra time and mental clarity, I have an evergrowing list of hobbies and activities that develop my cognitive and creative skills such as producing music, writing articles for the local paper, and even trying my hand at pyrography, which is a form of wood-burning art. These activities not only kept me busy but also helped me tap more into my creative side. It was a reminder that there’s so much more to life than what’s on a screen.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during this detox?
I learned how cluttered and busy my mind had become. I used to fill every quiet moment with my phone, scrolling, swiping, consuming content. Without that constant noise, I realized how much mental space I had been wasting. Now, I’m more present and intentional in everything I do, whether it’s a conversation, a project, or even just enjoying a meal. It’s a level of focus I hadn’t experienced in years.
Do you think everyone should try a phone detox?
I think everyone can benefit from re-evaluating their relationship with their phone, but a full detox isn’t for everyone. Start small. Set boundaries, like phone-free times during meals or before bed. Take regular breaks from social media. The goal isn’t to reject technology but to use it intentionally. Even small changes can have a big impact on your focus, relationships, and overall well-being.
Now that the 100 days are over, will you go back to using your phone?
I’ll definitely use my phone again. It’s been indispensable for staying in touch with family spread over 4 continents, building my businesses, navigating foreign lands, amplifying my voice on important causes, instant research and answers, and so much more!
I will go back with a new mindset. It’s a tool, not a lifeline. I want to keep the habits I’ve developed; being present, prioritizing meaningful connections, and valuing my time. The detox was a reset, and now it’s up to me to maintain that balance.
Any final thoughts or advice for our readers?
Remember that time is your most precious resource. You can’t earn it back once it’s gone. Be intentional about how you spend it. Whether it’s through a phone detox or simply setting boundaries, take steps to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. And if you’re thinking about making a change, my advice is simple: start now, start simple.
Daniel’s 100-day phone detox is a powerful reminder that we have the ability to shape our relationship with technology. His journey challenges us to reflect on how we use our time and whether our devices are serving us—or the other way around. While a full detox might not be feasible for everyone, his story inspires us to take small, intentional steps toward a more balanced and meaningful life.
Please keep this as Dan is a content creator and so his relationships are in 1000’s and he sends personal response to every one of his followers, He did not have surface level contacts. All his followers knew they would hear from him dire