Unplug to Recharge: How Ditching Your AirPods Can Boost Mindfulness and Mental Health

In a recent Mustang News article, Cal Poly student Ash Pickett shared something surprisingly refreshing: she walks to and from school without her AirPods—and loves it. No soundtrack, no true crime podcast, just her thoughts and the world around her. Sounds simple, but in today’s constant-noise culture, that’s kind of radical. She found that in those quiet moments, her mind started to wander in creative directions. She set intentions for the day, brainstormed new ideas, and actually noticed the world.

This kind of intentional quiet is one of the core ideas behind mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and aware in the moment. It’s also a skill that therapy can help you build. Therapists often introduce mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and create space for emotional reflection. It doesn’t mean you have to meditate on a mountaintop (unless that’s your thing), but it might mean taking five quiet minutes to check in with yourself before class or choosing a tech-free walk once a week.

Even a little space from distractions can go a long way. When you give your brain a break from constant input, you start to notice patterns in your thinking, how your body feels, what emotions are coming up. And that’s where therapy can be a game changer. A good therapist can help you build mindfulness into your routine in ways that actually fit your life—so you’re not just “surviving” the day but engaging with it more fully.

So if you’ve been feeling mentally cluttered, overwhelmed, or just off, consider giving your brain some breathing room—and look into therapy. Whether you’re curious about mindfulness, struggling with stress, or just want to understand yourself better, therapy can offer the support and tools to help you reconnect. And who knows? The next great idea might come to you in the quiet.