If you haven’t yet taken a digital detox holiday, you’ve been missing out. I tried this for the first time in Myanmar, where the wifi was so bad that it simply made sense to take a complete break from work, along with social media. The first few days were difficult but by the end of my ten-day trip, I’d almost forgotten my phone existed, and I was more centered and focused on actually living in the moment.
Since, that first digital detox, I’ve switched off my access to social media in places like Bali and Dubai as well. Believe me, you see and experience so much more when you’re focused on living it, and not simply recording it.
Studies have found numerous benefits to switching off. It boosts your mindfulness, increases concentration, and allows you to better engage with your loved ones. For that reason, it’s not surprising that digital detox holidays are becoming popular with travelers around the world.
Not sure where to get started? Opodo offers a guide to tech-free holidays, with some excellent advice to help you get started. The guide also includes some eye-opening facts that are likely to make you even more committed to taking some time away from your phone. Did you know that the average person uses their phone 2,617 times a day? That’s an insane amount of time being wasted. Just think about how many times we pick up our phones, often just to check email or make sure that we don’t have any new notifications.
People are now beginning to realize the importance of taking time out, and 47% of people are turning off their devices during their holidays. With 18% of people agreeing that technology is a source of stress, it’s easy to see why many people are opting out of being constantly connected.
One of the best ways to ensure you have a successful digital detox? Choose a destination where the signal is already patchy. In my case, this was Myanmar, but other options include beaches in Bali, jungles in Brazil, or even parts of Eastern Europe.
Finally, make sure you put an out of office on your emails, so you can rest assured that people will automatically be notified that you’ll respond when you’re back. That way, you don’t need to keep checking your email to see if you have any new emails.
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