We traded our smartphones for flip phones for 4 days—and learned that ditching modern technology is harder than it sounds

Neither reporter wanted to test five or more days due, to workplace ramifications: On flip phones, they couldn't access authenticator apps, sources from previous projects or record audio from their phone calls. But even a four-day break can boost your mental health "if you replace your smartphone activity with the right kind of activity, one that either engages your senses like walking in the sunshine, or your imagination like reading," says Carissa Véliz , an associate professor of philosophy …