Local & Community
Could Putting Down Your Phone Improve Your Mental Health? Study Says Yes
Be honest—how many hours a day are you glued to your phone? One hour? Two? Eight? And more importantly, how is that screen time affecting your mental health? A recent month-long study found that cutting off mobile internet access for just two weeks significantly improved participants’ well-being and slowed cognitive decline.
But with phones playing a central role in both our personal and professional lives, is it realistic to unplug? NBC Palm Springs contributors Katrina Dixon and Nick Collins weighed in on the challenge of disconnecting.
“I’ve seriously considered it,” Dixon admitted. “But my work—like pet sitting—relies on constant internet communication. It’s tough to step away when clients expect quick responses.” Collins echoed the sentiment, noting that while digital detoxing is beneficial, business demands keep many tethered to their devices.
The discussion also touched on the ongoing debate over cell phone use in schools. Collins emphasized the importance of phones for student safety. “Kids having phones gives them a way to call 911 in an emergency,” he said. “We gave them these devices—it’s not entirely their fault they use them.” Dixon agreed but pointed out the distraction factor. “Even in college classes I paid for, I caught myself scrolling through TikTok out of boredom,” she said.
While the idea of cutting back on screen time sounds appealing, finding the right balance remains a challenge. Could you give up your phone for two weeks to improve your mental health? For many in the Coachella Valley, the answer is complicated—but the conversation is more important than ever.
By: Fred Roggin
February 21, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager
“WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?” Why won’t CVUSD just open the books? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #cvusd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🌧️ Flash flooding swept across parts of the Coachella Valley overnight, leaving vehicles stranded and roads closed. CHP and emergency crews responded as water, rocks and debris impacted roadways in Indio Hills and along Dillon Road. Drivers in that area are urged to use alternate routes.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Who’s your baseball team?
Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to take a plea deal in the murder case of 17 year old T’Neya Tovar. Under the plea deal obtained by the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, Feinbloom will plead guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. According to court records, he is also expected to assist law enforcement in finding the rest of the victim’s remains. Our @newsbyalondra will be inside the courtroom for his official sentencing Tuesday, September 29th with the very latest.
“Of you can’t find things out as a Board President… then what are they hiding?” Why is the elected board president being blocked from financial records? Drop your thoughts below👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #coachella #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
After AB 1145 (also known as Tristin’s Bill) was signed into law, NBC Palm Springs @maria_nvtv is giving more information about the law and what this means for the future of transportation in California #Highway74 #RoadSafety #CoachellaValley #Anza #RiversideCounty
Pregame update from Tim O’Brien ahead of tonight’s preseason matchup between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Ontario Reign. Tim has the latest from Acrisure Arena as the Firebirds get set for tonight’s game. UPDATE: Firebirds #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #OntarioReign #AHL #Hockey PalmSprings CoachellaValley
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Xzavier Hernandez with the dot towards the back of the endzone, 2) Jesse Rodriguez with the 50 plus yard TD throw, 3) Trace Vargas with the diving TD, 4) Ryan Rumsey with the screen pass TD, making guys miss, or 5) Moyses Aguilar with the pick #fyp #fnl2026 #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball #fridaynightlights
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings