Why a holiday is an ideal time for a digital detox
Learn why being on holiday is the best time to detox from screens and social media. We look at the benefits of putting those devices down.
If there is one aspect of modern life that disturbs almost all of us, it’s how much time we spend on our digital devices. Of course, they provide many necessary services – mobile phones, tablets, and laptops deliver important information almost instantaneously and make us immediately available to our loved ones – but add entertainment and mindless scrolling to the mix and we spend a worrying amount of downtime staring at screens. And just to be clear; this is a sedentary, passive activity.
Being on holiday, with its change of routine, its physical imperative to go out to see things, and intentional approach to time management, is a great time to reset old habits. Here, we suggest why being on holiday is the best time to implement some discipline around screens and show you how to start – and maintain – a digital detox while you’re away. But first, let’s look at the benefits of putting those devices down.
Know the benefits of a digital detox
As you probably know, there are many upsides to ditching devices. A few of the important ones include:
Reducing stress. Being constantly available and online increases anxiety and pressure.
Switching off increases productivity as well as creativity., opens in a new tab
Stepping away from electronics can recharge your brain, opens in a new tab.
It can also vastly improve the quality of your sleep, opens in a new tab.
As we mentioned, scrolling is sedentary; so, spending a fair amount of time on devices can negatively impact your physical health. Putting devices down opens up opportunities for physical activity.
How to conduct a digital detox
Before you leave
Prior to embarking on your trip, set yourself up for success by paring back your ability to be contacted (one of the main rationales we use to keep our devices on). Begin by:
Communicating to all concerned parties that you won’t be available. Be sure to give them a timeframe when you will be back.
Whether in a personal or professional capacity, ensure you delegate decisions to someone who is contactable and knowledgeable in your absence.
Give yourself a helping hand
Ironically, the easiest way to unhook from technology is to… employ technology.
Investigate apps that help you limit your online time. Apple iPhone users can set time limits with Screen Time, opens in a new tab and or use the Downtime tool, which means that only phone calls reach you, or you are only allowed to access specific apps – and those apps themselves are subject to a time limit. Digital Wellbeing, opens in a new tab works in a similar way for Google devices.
Alternatively, only allow your phone to accept calls from certain people. For iPhone users, navigate to Settings, then choose a Focus; for example, Do Not Disturb, Personal, Sleep, or Work, then select allowable people from your Contacts. You can also turn on options to allow calls from certain groups of people and allow repeated calls (two or more calls from the same person within three minutes – alerting you that it really does need your attention). For Android devices, you can follow these instructions, opens in a new tab.
And remember, you’ll still want to be entertained. So, take a book, a puzzle or a game of cards on holiday; just make sure it’s analogue.
While you’re away
Proactively focus and plan to connect with people and actively ‘do’ experiences
Reinforce this by noting on your itinerary when you plan to be away from your mobile phone (the most pernicious of all the devices)
If this proves too hard to incorporate, schedule in periods where you actually turn off your phone i.e. meal times, travel times, or a few hours before bed (this will also help you sleep)
If this all feels impossible then create no-phone areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms
Be kind to yourself in order to succeed
Be prepared to manage any thoughts that you have about needing to check in or switch on. Our online habits and reliance on being connected can feel overwhelming.
Reward yourself daily for sticking to your plan. Digital abstinence is not easy.
Let the destination help you out
If you think managing a digital detox by yourself is too difficult, at the holiday-planning stage, consider an e-tox holiday. Some destinations offer to help you unplug, or simply don’t allow devices. There are also places in the world that don’t have easy internet access. Many accommodation websites also allow you to filter for wifi or mobile coverage. You may want to mix up places that allow you to go online with some that don’t.
Celebrate the successes
Whatever reduction in online time you achieve while you’re on holiday deserves some applause. It is a tough proposition to unplug altogether, so give yourself a pat on the back if you manage to both enjoy your holiday and create some healthy new habits. That’s called a win-win.
Travelling soon? Consider nib Travel Insurance and get a quote, opens in a new tab.
To learn more about what’s covered, see nib travel insurance, opens in a new tab. Nib Health insurance members get a 10% discount off their travel insurance.*
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Vanessa Walker
Sydney-based Vanessa Walker is the former travel editor at Australian House & Garden magazine and a keen purveyor of destinations and cultural experiences. A specialist writer on architecture and design, with a passion for grazing on street food, she likes to combine her loves into eating in fantastic locations around the world, preferably with great views onto streetscapes or natural features.