74. Logging off, living on: A digital detox for soul-level self-care & mindfulness w/ Sieka Gatabaki
Description
Ever feel stretched thin by career pressure, constant notifications, and the creeping sense of burnout? In this Yespisode, the Yes Girls explore the overwhelming world of screen time, tech-life balance, and the need for self-reflection and intentional living — all through the empowering Yes Challenge of a digital detox.
To help unpack it all, they turn to those who've weathered waves of technological and cultural shifts — our Gen Xers. This week's guest expert is Sieka Gatabaki, Program Director for Mercy Corps AgriFin. With over 16 years of experience in digital innovation and business strategy — including leadership roles at Airtel Africa and Airtel Kenya, plus advisory work with IFC — Sieka brings deep insight into navigating life and ambition in this digital age.
He helps Claire face the challenge of unplugging — not just by reducing screen time, but by practising mindfulness, confronting digital dependence, and learning how to reconnect with herself in the process. Together, they explore self-care strategies that go beyond just me-time; from practical tech management hacks to life-altering shifts in how we define productivity.
Timestamps for Specific Segments
(0:00 ) Intro
(2:08 ) The effects of excessive screen time
(3:30 ) Meet the guest expert, Sieka Gatabaki
(5:19 ) The exact digital detox challenges that Claire said "yes" to
(6:38 ) Claire's experience trying to achieve tech-life balance
(10:38 ) Adding the no-screen-time rule to your morning routine
(15:43 ) The importance of boredom, quiet time and stillness
(18:51 ) Turning off phone notifications for less stress/anxiety
(21:00 ) The beauty and satisfaction of being fully present with people
(25:51 ) Which one's more fulfilling and more difficult: the long or the short "digital detox"?
(29:10 ) Consuming versus creating on social media
(30:00 ) Sieka rates Claire's efforts with the Yes Challenge
(32:22 ) Allowing or not allowing screen time with kids as parents
(34:09 ) The importance of a digital detox for self-reflection & intentional living
(37:22 ) How to recognise and find "fulfilment"
(46:25 ) Do introverts find it easier to unplug?
(49:44 ) Simple steps you can take towards reducing unnecessary screen time
(54:51 ) Key takeaways from the entire conversation
(57:10 ) What Sieka has recently said "yes" to
(58:01 ) Outro
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This conversation is more than just a trend check — it's a reflection on how mental health, wellness, and true fulfilment can emerge when we intentionally choose to pause. Whether you're a Gen X veteran, Millennial multitasker, or Gen Z scroller, you'll walk away with tools to reclaim your attention, reduce burnout, and create space for what truly matters.
Tune in for a powerful wellness journey — one that invites you to log off, live on, and build a life that nourishes you from the inside out.
Important Resources:
Effects of excessive screen time:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-019-00182-2
https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/screen-time-and-sleep-its-different-for-adults/
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