Three tips for a successful digital detox on vacation
A digital detox is a period of time when you limit how much you use your digital devices.
In more extreme cases, people pause their use altogether. There are many reasons why someone might try it – in Original Travel’s guide, they note that the most common are spending more time with family (50%), spending time doing other things (49%), and having more offline social interactions (36%). So, it’s not surprising that a vacation feels like the perfect time to embark on a digital detox. Not only are these activities you’re likely to be doing anyway, but you’re away from the distraction of everyday responsibilities. Here are three tips for making the most of your digital detox.
1. Plan it well in advance
Set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Put together a handover document together for work, with everything your colleagues might need to refer to, and send it ahead of time in case there are any questions to address. Let them know when you’ll be off, and make it clear that you’ll be unreachable during that time. Once your annual leave starts, turn on your out-of-office message, then remove any work-related apps and email inboxes from your phone. It can also make a difference if you let family and friends know you’ll be trying a digital detox and might not be as available as usual.
2. Make it more difficult to access apps
It’s easy to get into the habit of checking your apps on autopilot. Making it more difficult to open them creates friction and can help you realise just how much you reach for your devices. You can temporarily uninstall apps, or set timers on your phone that close them once you reach the limit.
Set times to check your messages and consider muting your notifications. Keep any that will be useful for your trip, like weather and airline apps, and download any information you need, like directions and accommodation check-in information. That way, you’ll be able to access it whether you have internet access or not.
3. Spend time on other activities
Feel the urge to pick up your phone? Do something else. Replace screen time with healthy habits like reading a book, going for a walk or writing in a journal – all things you can incorporate into your routine back home. And don’t forget the reasons you decided to travel in the first place. You’ll enjoy all the activities you’re excited about so much more if you’re present and focused, instead of being distracted by your devices. You can still take photos, but wait until you get home before posting them. That way you’ll have a brilliant experience and the memories to look back on later.
Reducing your screen time frees you up to experience other things, and trying out a digital detox is a great way to kickstart your new habits, especially on vacation. Follow our tips to make the most of it, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you find it challenging. Our devices are designed to grab as much of our attention as possible – but you can break the cycle.
