Kerry Washington's Reason For Taking A Digital Detox Is Perfect

By now, many of us are well aware of the benefits to be gained from taking a tech break -- and of course, that extends to some of the busiest and most plugged-in people: celebrities.

Research shows constant device use can lead to emotional and physical health problems. And for public figures who are barraged with messages, comments and emails from people on a regular basis, those effects likely feel heightened.

Actress Kerry Washington is no exception. The "Scandal" star -- and notorious live-tweeter -- recently announced that she was disconnecting from social media in order to reconnect with the outside world.

"It's time for me to take a teeny break from social media," she wrote on Instagram. "Feeling called to be a bit more quiet and still. Not sure how long it'll last but don't worry, I'll be back soon enough."

Washington isn't the only public figure who knows there's power in pulling the plug. Enter these smart celebrities who appreciate the art of a good digital detox. Below are some genius insights from Hollywood's most notable figures on the importance of taking a break:

Steven Spielberg

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Spielberg told Wired that while our devices are excellent tools, they also impede our creativity. "Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives," he said. "It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful because we're too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone."

Kenny Chesney

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The country singer told The Tampa Bay Times that his phone can sometimes prevent him from de-stressing. "It's very hard for me to relax," he said. "My mind is constantly going. For me to completely relax, I gotta get rid of my cell phone."

Randi Zuckerberg

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Zuckerberg may have a hand in Facebook but that doesn't mean she doesn't appreciate going screen-free. "I try to put my phone in a different room at home," she told The Daily Mail in 2015. "When you're with your family, it's about quality time. Make eye contact and put the phone away."

Jesse Ventura

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For this politician and former actor, not being connected to a screen is the best way to live. "I’ve never owned a cell phone and now it’s my life’s mission not to have one," he told Highbrow Magazine in 2012. "I'm going to put on my gravestone, 'He never owned a cell phone.'"

Arianna Huffington

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HuffPost's president and editor-in-chief went completely off-the-grid in 2013 by ditching her devices for a whole week on vacation. "Unplugging meant rediscovering and savoring the moment for its own sake," she said about her experience. "Which is to say, taking in a view without tweeting it. Eating a meal without Instagramming it. Hearing my daughters say something hilarious and very shareable without sharing it."

Ed Sheeran

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In 2015, the singer took a digital detox because he claimed he was living his life through his devices. "I'm taking a break from my phone, emails and all social media," he wrote on Instagram. "I find myself seeing the world through my screen and not my eyes."

Carrie Underwood

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The country artist told CMT in 2012 that she ditches her devices when she goes home to visit family. "When I’m with my parents, that’s the place I can unplug. That’s the place I can shut down and not worry about work or what’s going on," she said.

Julia Roberts

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The "Money Monster" actress recently told InStyle that she has no intention of joining social media because it would take her away from living her life in the moment. "Everyone has Instagram on their phone. And I just, yeah, [if I had it] I would be looking at it all the time," she said.

Eric Stoltz

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The actor and director told The Guardian in 2011 that losing his phone was a transformational experience. "[T]he first few days I was anxious as hell, suffered the delirium tremens, didn't think I could make it through, etc," he said. "Then something kind of curious happened -- I began to feel great. REALLY great. Completely untethered, almost giddy. I hadn't had that feeling since I learned to ride a bike when I was a kid -- it was fantastic."

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