Consuming this content and overusing devices can not only lead to poor mental health, but it can affect your sleep, exercise and the way you socialise. If you are feeling the negative effects of technology, it is best to have a digital detox, and what better way to do this than on a relaxing holiday? Use these top tips to create the perfect digital detox getaway to escape technology, connect to nature, and reframe your mind, giving you time to focus on what truly matters: you!
What is a digital detox?
A digital detox is all about setting yourself some time to stop using digital devices and cutting yourself off from the digital world. This gives you a useful way to balance your digital life and your real life, creating an opportunity to get back to reality and improve your mental state. It requires dedication, resilience and mindfulness, but it’s so worth it in the end as you will feel so much better!
What are the benefits of detoxing digitally?
There are many benefits of digitally detoxing as using technology can negatively impact your life. Detoxing from technology can give you the opportunity to focus on what’s happening in real life and reconnect yourself to the real you. Instead of looking at screens, you can immerse yourself in your surroundings and feel more productive and motivated which helps you to achieve more. As well as this, detoxing can decrease your stress levels and boost your confidence in yourself, giving you positive emotions.
Detoxing digitally can also provide better and healthier sleep as you won’t be scrolling before bed. The blue screen in the dark can delay the production of melatonin in your brain, making you feel active and awake so you can’t sleep.
Tips for a successful digital detox getaway
So, how can you achieve a successful digital detox getaway? Follow the below tips to have a relaxing escape without your phone or devices, so you can feel refreshed and connected to the real world.
Research your chosen destination
If you really want a holiday that involves a digital detox, it is best to research destinations and choose one carefully. Planning for travel can take up a lot of your time, so it is vital to do as much as you can before you leave. This can include making notes of directions, transport schedules, currency exchange rates and downloading offline maps to be fully prepared when you go away as you won’t use the internet. Make sure to research what there is to do at the destination such as trips, restaurants, attractions and activities.
For accommodation, choose remote and nature-filled places that encourage you to immerse yourself in your surroundings and leave technology behind. This can be a serene nature escape at a caravan park, such as Bredon View in Pershore, or an old castle in the countryside so you won’t be tempted to go online.
Discover how much you use your phone
Keep track of how much you use your phone and other devices, so you know what you are working with. Many devices show how much screen time you have had daily and weekly, helping you to see how addicted you are to screens. Making a note of this allows you to see if you’re improving with your technology usage as you can see if there’s a decline. Remember, take it in baby steps, reducing your screen time amount first and then trying to go completely off the grid.
Set goals
Before you begin your digital detox getaway, you need to set clear goals of what you want to achieve from this experience. This could be to unwind and destress, bring mental clarity, or reconnect to nature and yourself. Think about if you want to completely stay away from online activities or if you just want to limit yourself to a certain amount of time online and make this clear with your goals so you can stick to them.
Let loved ones know
Now you are nearly ready to embark on a digital detox holiday, it is a priority to let your friends and family know about your plans. Doing this notifies your loved ones where you are going and when, so they know that you are safe. As well as this, it lets them know that you won’t be easy to reach, avoiding any panic when you don’t respond to them or post social media content. Give them the relevant information, such as where you are staying and when so they can feel assured of your whereabouts and can help keep you safe if needed.
Connect to nature
To make the most out of your digital detox holiday, do activities that connect you to nature. Spend plenty of time outdoors, immersing yourself in the gorgeous surroundings to aid your mental health and distract you from using technology. You could go for a hike, swim in a natural pool, stargaze at night, or go for a bike ride. Nature can rejuvenate and relax you through stunning scenery, wildlife and a sense of amazement of the world.
Turn your notifications off
As soon as you arrive for your holiday, it is best to turn off your notifications on your phone and devices. Notifications can be a temptation and can distract you from the purpose of your digital detox holiday. Turn notifications off for every app via your settings or turn on the do not disturb feature.
If you struggle with going cold turkey because you want to connect to loved ones and update them, set certain times to use your phone for the purpose of texting and calling. Make sure to set a time limit to stick to and stay away from social media messages as it can lead to the temptation of scrolling and posting.
So, are you ready for a digital detox holiday? Get packing to escape the noise of the digital world and use these tips to guide you through successfully detoxing from technology. Set yourself goals and be determined to stick to them, changing your mindset about needing to use technology. You will come back from your getaway feeling refreshed, happier, lighter and more connected to the real world than ever before!
