One evening without the phone (an experiment I'm still running)

A few weeks ago I started a small experiment: after 8 PM, the phone goes into the kitchen drawer until morning. No scrolling, no "just checking one thing."

The first few nights were honestly uncomfortable. My hand kept reaching for something that wasn't there. But by the fourth or fifth night, something shifted — evenings felt longer, in a good way. I finished a book. I sat on the porch. I actually talked to the people around me.

I'm not perfect at it — I caved twice last week. But I've noticed I'm calmer at night, and I fall asleep easier. The news will still be there in the morning; it turns out I don't have to carry it into the night.

Would you ever try it? Or do you already have a screen-free ritual that works for you?