A Digital Detox for the Soul with Lynch Syndrome

Georgia Hurst is a fierce patient advocate for those with Lynch syndrome. Catch up on all of Georgia's blogs here!

Spring has always been a season of renewal — a time to shed the old and invite in the new. I'm struck by how the world transforms from muted grays to the vibrant, living colors of blooming trees and flowers every year. It's a powerful reminder that change is possible, natural, and stunning. While we often focus on tidying up our homes during this season, we sometimes overlook the importance of spring cleaning our minds. For me, one of the most transformative ways to do that this year has been through a digital detox.

Lynch syndrome, the most common hereditary cancer syndrome, already comes with its emotional challenges. The annual medical appointments, test results, and ongoing health concerns can create a mental load that feels never-ending; but, in recent years, I've noticed that the broader world's uncertainty — politically, economically, and socially — has added another layer of stress that’s hard to escape. The political climate, economic predictions, and constant news cycle often feel like an overwhelming backdrop to my life and can increase one's anxiety — making it harder to find peace.

What I didn't realize, though, was how much the barrage of digital noise was contributing to my stress. The bombardment of notifications, news updates and social media opinions kept me alert, which only added to the mental clutter. This spring, I've made intentional choices to unplug, and I've found that stepping away from the digital world has been one of the most empowering ways to reclaim my peace.

One of the first things I did was set clear boundaries with my devices. I now put my phone on "Do Not Disturb" from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. This simple action helps me disconnect from the stream of notifications and alerts that can easily pull me out of the present moment. Without the pressure to check my phone every few minutes, I've created space for restful sleep and peaceful evenings, free from the digital noise.

I've also removed myself from social media platforms that I found particularly negative or draining. These platforms, while designed to connect us, often fuel anxiety and comparison. Beyond the emotional toll, I realized how much time I was wasting scrolling —time I could've spent cooking dinner for my friends, taking a long walk along the lake with my dog, writing for CURE or my Substack, or doing something that leaves me feeling fulfilled. Social media can steal hours from our lives without us even realizing it. I am more intentional with my time — this in turn has made my days feel fuller and more meaningful.

In this age of instant information, it's easy to get caught in the whirlwind of sensationalized news. The dramatic headlines, breaking alerts and 24/7 coverage often create a sense of urgency that amplifies stress and anxiety. I've stopped listening to the news on the radio or TV and instead focused on reading about current events at a time of my choosing. Reading allows me to digest information at my own pace and without the emotional intensity of sensationalized broadcasts. It is a considerable relief to take a step back from the constant bombardment and to consume news in a way that feels more intentional and less overwhelming.

I've also become more mindful of the music I listen to and the books I read. These choices directly affect my mood and mental state. I lean into music that soothes and uplifts me, and I reach for books that nourish rather than drain me — stories that give me perspective or allow me to escape gently, not ones that leave me feeling heavy or anxious.

This awareness has helped me protect my inner peace. It's a form of self-care that often goes overlooked but can be incredibly powerful when practiced consistently.

One of the most challenging parts of life — especially when you're facing a chronic illness, carrying a genetic predisposition to cancer, or caring for loved ones battling a disease — is learning to live with uncertainty. The constant "what-ifs" can overwhelm you beyond measure, eroding your peace of mind. A dear friend recently shared an article with me about embracing the unknown. It centered on a letter written in 1903 by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke to a young writer. In his wisdom, Rilke urged him to "live the questions now," rather than anxiously chasing after answers.

That idea struck a deep chord with me.

I've also learned to be mindful of my conversations with friends recently. The current political climate can be emotionally exhausting, and I've found that constant dialogue around it only adds to the noise. I walk regularly with friends, and while we may briefly acknowledge the headlines, we don't linger in political debate. Instead, we discuss books, ideas, research, and music — conversations that feed our curiosity rather than drain our energy. This subtle but powerful shift protects my peace.

In a world that constantly pushes us to know more, do more, and plan for every outcome, Rilke's wisdom is a gentle invitation to breathe, accept uncertainty as part of life and allow ourselves to evolve. Rilke's philosophy aligns perfectly with my digital detox. By stepping away from the noise, I can better sit with my questions rather than letting fear or chaos drive my reactions.

Spring is a time of growth, but growth doesn't always come in the form of clarity or direction. Sometimes, it's about becoming comfortable with the unknown, trusting that with time and stillness, the answers will unfold on their own.

I've found space to be without the pressure to stay on top of every headline or political debate. I've spent more time outside, listening to birdsong instead of breaking news. I've had more uninterrupted conversations with people I care about. And I've rediscovered the joy of being bored, a feeling that used to signal restlessness but now feels like freedom.

Stillness has become my sanctuary, and I look forward to it every day. It's not about ignoring the challenges of the world; it's about finding the balance between staying informed and protecting your mental and emotional well-being.

If you're feeling the world's weight on your shoulders, I encourage you to try your version of digital spring cleaning. Start small: put your phone on "Do Not Disturb," take breaks from social media and read the news instead of watching it. Be mindful about the music you listen to, the books you read and what you discuss with others. Think about how much time you're giving away to screens, and what you might gain if you reclaimed some time for yourself, your family, or your community.

Permit yourself to step away from the noise, and to embrace not having all the answers.

This spring, live the questions. Clear your mental space. Make room for the quiet. And in that quiet, may you find peace, clarity, and the grace to move forward — imperfect but whole.

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