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Ladies, let’s talk about the struggle that so many of us face daily: the digital rabbit hole. You know, the one where you pick up your phone “just for a minute” and suddenly it’s 1 a.m., your thumb aches, and TikTok has taught you seven ways to fold a fitted sheet you’ll never actually try. In this week’s Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, I sat down with entrepreneur, speaker, and author Palak Dave, founder of Embria, a lifestyle brand dedicated to helping us reclaim our lives from the grips of constant screen time.
“We are lab rats in the digital experiment.” – Palak Dave
Palak didn’t mince words when she explained how we’re living in uncharted territory. Technology, she pointed out, has advanced so rapidly that we’re essentially guinea pigs in a massive global trial. “Before this era, there was no precedent, no research to rely on,” she said. “It’s like when people smoked on airplanes and thought it was normal—it’s only after decades of harm that rules changed.”
And here’s the kicker: our devices and apps are designed to keep us hooked. Palak equated it to gambling. “It’s like a slot machine. The endless scroll, the dopamine hits—it’s all engineered to keep you coming back.”
Summary
- We are living in an era of digital experimentation.
- Digital overload can negatively impact emotional well-being.
- Embracing simplicity can lead to a more fulfilling life.
- Digital overload can be managed with intentional boundaries.
- Self-care should focus on what you truly need, not trends.
- Morning routines set the tone for the day.
- Listening to your body is key to self-care.
- Prioritize meaningful connections over digital distractions.
The Cost of Connection
Let’s get real here: I’ve caught myself in this cycle too. After a long day, I kick back on the couch while my husband handles dinner, and what do I do? Grab my phone. The irony? I don’t even notice I’m doing it until he picks up his phone, and suddenly I’m annoyed. “Why aren’t you engaging?” I think—completely blind to my own behavior.
“It’s subconscious,” Palak explained. “You’re reaching for your phone because it’s become a habit. And these habits, unchecked, are creeping into our relationships.”
Raise your hand if you’ve looked around your home only to realize everyone’s face is buried in a screen—yours included. It’s a modern-day plague that’s eroding meaningful connection, and as Palak stressed, it’s affecting our emotional well-being. “Social media gives the illusion of connection, but it’s surface-level at best.”
Breaking the Cycle
So, how do we fight back? Palak shared some practical tips, and let me tell you, they are golden:
- Set Boundaries with Your Devices
Designate “no phone zones” in your house—like the dinner table or the bedroom. “It’s not about eliminating tech,” Palak said. “It’s about reclaiming spaces for real connection.” - Replace Screen Time with Face Time
Plan outings or family activities that don’t involve screens. Whether it’s game night or a hike, the goal is to create shared experiences. “Authentic friendships and deep connections thrive in these moments,” Palak reminded us. - Unfollow and Mute to Protect Your Peace
Audit your social media. “If it doesn’t spark joy or add value, hit unfollow,” Palak urged. It’s time to Marie Kondo your digital life. - Schedule Downtime
Being busy doesn’t equal being productive. Carve out time to rest and truly disconnect. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
“Our kids can’t self-regulate their screen time, so it’s up to us.” – Veronica Cisneros
This one hit home hard. As a mom, I’ve had those battles over screen time. I’ve even considered hurling my kids’ devices out the window (dramatic, I know). But Palak dropped a truth bomb: “We can’t expect children to self-regulate when even adults struggle with it.” Ouch, right?
The research is clear: excessive screen time doesn’t make kids—or adults—feel good. It’s up to us to model healthy habits and set boundaries. That means saying no to endless scrolling, not just for them, but for ourselves.
The Bigger Picture
Palak’s perspective on digital overload isn’t just about ditching your phone—it’s about intentional living. “When you step away from constant distraction, you create space for what really matters,” she said. And honestly? That’s what Empowered and Unapologetic is all about: reclaiming your life, your relationships, and your joy.
Simplify to Thrive: Carving Time for What Lights You Up
“Busy” is often a badge of honor, but is it serving you? On Empowered and Unapologetic, Palak Dave and I unpacked the chaos of packed schedules and found gold in simplicity.
“We all think we don’t have time for the things that light us up—gym, meditation, or journaling—but funny enough, implementing just one of these can fuel us to do everything else better.” – Palak Dave
Start small. One hour a week. Yup, just one. Take a pottery class, walk in nature (sans phone!), or finally try that dance class you’ve been eyeing. Don’t aim for a six-hour morning routine; this isn’t wellness Olympics.
On Sundays, historically a day of rest, reclaim a few hours. “Let the day take you. Go to a coffee shop, make pancakes, or play with your kids,” Palak suggests. Being present—even for a short time—recharges you like nothing else.
I get it—juggling work, family, and life is wild. As Palak put it, “We crave achievement but also simplicity.” Adding joyful rituals, whether it’s a weekly class or a midweek “phone-off hour,” injects energy into your life.
The same goes for social media: Use it with purpose. Palak advises scheduling specific blocks for tasks like posting or responding to DMs, so you avoid the doom-scroll rabbit hole. “When you go in with intention, you leave feeling accomplished instead of drained,” she explained.
I’ve learned to stop chasing the “busy” label. Instead, I choose balance and fulfillment. Life’s too short to miss out on what makes us feel alive. So, this week, find your hour, set boundaries, and simplify to thrive.
“I don’t want to be a big deal—I want to be present.” – Palak Dave
Amen to that.
A World of Distraction
Ladies, we are living in a world that thrives on keeping us distracted, but we have the power to rewrite the narrative. Let’s be intentional. Let’s be present. And let’s stop letting a screen dictate our lives. As Palak said, “It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.”
So here’s your challenge for the week: put your phone down. Look up. Connect—really connect—with the people around you. And if you slip up? Hey, no judgment here. We’re all in this together.
Let me know how you’re reclaiming your life in the comments or DM me on Instagram (@empoweredandunapologetic). Until next time, stay empowered and unapologetic!
Talk to a Therapist
If social media has you feeling overwhelmed, questioning your self-worth, or stuck in a cycle of comparison, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone either. At Outside the Norm Counseling, our compassionate therapists are here to help you reclaim your confidence, set healthy boundaries, and find balance in a world that’s constantly connected. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. Visit www.outsidethenormcounseling.com or book a session today. Let’s navigate this together!
Meet Palak Dave
Meet Palak Dave, entrepreneur, speaker, author of the book “Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now“, and the Founder behind the brand, Embiria. Palak is not your typical wellness guru. She’s on a mission to spark a crucial conversation about the importance of reclaiming our lives from digital overload and rediscovering the beauty IRL.
Formerly an award-winning marketer with senior-level positions at companies including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Indigo Books and Music Inc., Palak embarked on a new journey in 2017, founding Embiria, a company on mission to inspire people to slow down and savor life, the European way. As part of Embiria, Palak has opened the doors to her global membership community called Embiria Social Club, designed for women to escape the noise of social media and get back to being social. Through Embiria, she inspires a shift away from digital distractions toward cultivating friendships and embracing the beauty of the present moment. With having hosted over 300 curated events, Palak champions intentional living, urging us to prioritize real-life experiences and connection over digital noise.
Embiria, rooted in the Greek word for ‘experience’, embodies a philosophy of embracing life fully in the here and now. As a Canadian, BIPOC woman-owned lifestyle brand and membership community, Embiria invites you to savor the present. In a world driven by trends, Embiria stands for authenticity, advocating for genuine connections, and shifting them from online to offline
Digital Coordinates:
Useful links:
- Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
- Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
- Follow me on Instagram
- Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
- Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
- 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org
Meet Veronica Cisneros
As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.
But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.
Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop, you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!
Thanks for listening!
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