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.

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