Being unavailable isn’t something that is rude or makes you a hermit. We used to think being reachable 24/7 was just part of running a business. But truthfully? It nearly wrecked our peace.
We realized we were burned out somewhere between the never-ending notifications and guilt-ridden response times. Now, we’ve flipped the script, and being unavailable has never felt more freeing.
How We Set Digital Boundaries (And Actually Stick to Them)
We have talked about our Digital Detox Challenge and how it is a great way to springboard into better habits when it comes to digital clutter.
This isn’t just about cell phones and distraction, but we thought it would be helpful for you to know a few things: most people spend 70% more time scrolling their phones than engaging with their partner.
For kids, the screen time is even more intense—many are glued to their devices for four hours or more each day. And it’s not just a habit; nearly half of adults say they feel anxious when they’re without their phone.
There are some things that we learned from our detox, which created routines and habits moving forward.
For example, we keep our phones on Do Not Disturb mode most of the day. It’s not a dramatic gesture—it’s just quiet.
We have designated times (25 minutes in the morning and 25 in the afternoon) to check email, respond to messages, and deal with admin stuff. Outside of that, we don’t chase pings.
We’ve also updated our voicemail to reflect our boundaries. My (shannon) personal phone message lets callers know that I don’t check voicemails (because they stress me out more than they help). Instead, it kindly directs people to text or email—methods that align with how we manage our time and energy.
We’re not ignoring people; we choose to connect on our terms.
We set these expectations with collaborators, friends, and even family. Most people get it. The few who don’t? Well, they’re not the ones we’re trying to accommodate.
We stopped feeling guilty for taking our time. We stopped treating every email like a fire drill. And weirdly, we became more productive. Less stress = more clarity = better work.
Turns out, when you’re not reacting all day, you have the capacity to create.
Plus, people started respecting our time more. When you show that you take your time seriously, others start doing the same.
Before vs. After: Always Reachable vs. Now
Then:
- Phones dinging during dinner
- Answering emails at 10 PM
- Feeling resentful but “being nice” about it
Now:
- Phones face-down, Do Not Disturb on
- Clear hours to handle tasks
- Guilt-free boundaries (and a lot more peace)
We’re still reachable. We’re just not always available.
What This Means for Fellow Creators or Entrepreneurs
If you’re constantly exhausted by “being on,” give yourself permission to opt-out. Try:
- Turning off push notifications (yes, even for email)
- Setting response hours and sticking to them
- Being upfront in your voicemail, contact form, or autoresponder
Digital boundaries aren’t rude. They’re necessary. And if you’re a creative, they’re your best friend.
Real Talk: Protecting Our Peace Isn’t a Luxury—It’s Survival
We didn’t set boundaries because it was trendy. We did it because our brains and relationships couldn’t take the noise. Now, the quiet feels like a gift.
So, if you’ve been thinking about making yourself less available? This is your sign. You can still be kind and professional without being constantly plugged in.
Want more of this kind of intentional living talk? You may enjoy reading more about How to Be Intentional and Purposeful.
Just remember, being unavailable may not be the popular thing, or the common practice amongst people you know or in your circle, but we’ve learned that living the “norm” is not something that is always healthy.
Do what is best for you.
Grab our boundary-setting auto-reply templates!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. Clear communication about availability is actually more professional than constant, reactive responses. We set expectations upfront so there’s no confusion.
We’ve ensured key people (clients, family, etc.) know how to reach us in an emergency. But let’s be honest—most “emergencies” aren’t. Boundaries help filter the noise.
Maybe. But the ones we keep are more aligned. We’d rather miss a few fast-moving things than burn out chasing everything.
