Daily life requires the use of devices nonstop, but everyone needs a break from technology once in a while. However, getting that break isn’t as easy as stepping away from a screen. If you have a phone in your pocket, you’re probably checking it hundreds of times throughout the day, scrolling through social media feeds, and clicking on content without even thinking. There’s a pressure to stay connected and plugged into the virtual world 24/7, and that’s why you need a digital detox.
A digital detox vacation where you leave your screens behind is one of the best vacations you could ever take. Whether you head out to a national park, a remote cabin in the mountains, or just spend time exploring the backroads, an unplugged journey can refresh your mind, help you connect with nature, and experience peace of mind.
Here’s why you should add this type of trip to your calendar.
You’ll form deeper connections with friends and family
Perhaps the biggest benefit to taking a digital detox vacation is the opportunity to strengthen your relationships. When you’re not constantly checking your phone, scrolling, and texting people, you have more time to bond with your friends and family. It gives you the mental space to be fully present with the people you’re with. Without screens in the way, conversations flow more naturally, and you can give others your full attention.
Nobody likes to be interrupted during a conversation, but nothing causes more interruptions than buzzing and dinging phone notifications. When this distraction is removed, you’ll laugh more, have deeper discussions, share more stories, and everyone will feel heard. Communication with eye contact beats typing behind a screen every time.
Road trips are fun, period
If you love road trips, you already know you’ll have a blast. However, your adventures will be even better when you pack up and drive without engaging your devices. Of course, you’ll need to bring a cellphone with you for emergency purposes, but everyone can keep their phones turned off until they need to make a call.
Road trips are a great way to bond with everyone on the way to your destination, whether it’s a campsite, hotel, or a little cabin. Instead of engaging social media the whole way there, you can talk to each other and make up games as you drive. But while the conversations and fun times can make the miles fly, you’re still going to be sitting for long periods of time. That’s why it’s important to pack snacks, plenty of water, and even a good pair of compression socks to keep your blood flowing and your legs feeling good. Staying comfortable on the road means you can focus on your adventure no matter where you’re headed.
Your nervous system will benefit
When you take a break from digital devices, your nervous system gets the biggest benefit. A digital detox can pull your body out of fight or flight, and allow stress and anxiety to fade. Time offline gives your nervous system a big break from constant stimulation that can have a long-term negative impact on your body. For instance, if you continually subject yourself to stress, your body will keep producing high levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, and that can physically harm your body.
You won’t feel triggered
Let’s face it: scrolling through social media feeds is a fast way to get triggered by everything under the sun. There’s always someone posting something frustrating, annoying, or outright offensive. It doesn’t matter what your views or beliefs are – you’ll find something to be upset about. Taking a digital detox vacation will eliminate those triggers completely. When you aren’t engaging in arguments online, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy some peace. If you spend enough time away from social media, you might decide to delete some apps and never look back.
You’ll experience better sleep
The blue light emitted from devices disrupts melatonin production, which can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders. Less screen time means better melatonin production and quality sleep. In addition to less blue light, when you explore the world without digital devices, you’re more likely to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and walking. All of these activities can make your whole body feel great and will contribute to a better night’s sleep.
Log off and hit the road
Taking a digital detox vacation is the perfect opportunity to reset your mind, body, and spirit. When you unplug from the digital world, you reconnect with yourself, your friends and family, and nature. Whether you head to the mountains, the beach, or just wander around to explore, keeping your devices turned off will help you recharge.
