ad. Think about the last time you went on holiday. How relaxed were you really? Were you overwhlemed by constant notifications and excessive screen time? Did you feel the pressure to update your Instagram Story with beach snaps?
Studies show that technology use can harm mental well-being and sleep patterns, which is the absolute opposite of what a holiday should do. Liverpool Airport have recently published an article stating that in 2023, the average person spent an average of 4 hours on their phone per day. They offered some great suggestions of places you can go to enjoy an unplugged holiday and truly switch off.
So let’s look at the benefits of an unplugged holiday to improve your emotional and physical health and see if I can persuade you to switch off your device this holiday.
Remembering Unplugged Holidays
The first time I went abroad, I was 11 years old. Nobody had mobile phones back then (yes, I am that old). To contact people at home, you would have to queue at the nearest payphone to the hotel and update them all on how warm it is, which is the only reason you were calling, right? – and to check you’ve not been burgled.
For years, this is what holidays were like for me. Even when I did get a mobile phone, you couldn’t use it outside of the UK without massive charges, so it was kept in a safe in your room. Even when smartphones came out, data roaming was expensive, so again, your phone stayed locked in the safe in your room. The norm was to take an actual camera (remember those?) out for photos instead.
It’s only been the last few years that I’ve found myself searching for WiFi passwords when I’m abroad because I need to check my notifications!
I guess when I sit back and think about it, it bothers me. Many of us may not want to admit it, but a lot of us are addicted to our phones and could do with spending less time on them. So let’s look at some benefits of taking a real break and unplugging while on holiday.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Spending less time on electronic devices can calm your mind. The constant trigger of notifications stops your brain from fully switching off. Spending time in the natural world or enjoying outdoor activities reduces stress hormones like cortisol, so a digital detox vacation can help you focus on real life and ease mental health issues.
Let’s not underestimate that quality time with family members or enjoying a good book can boost emotional well-being. Skipping the distractions of technology allows more face-to-face interaction and deep conversation.
Improved mindfulness
Turning off digital devices helps you live in the present moment. Constant exposure to screens pulls your attention in different directions, making it hard to focus on tasks or enjoy family time.
An unplugged vacation gives your mind a break from distractions like social media platforms and checking email. If you have an intense job or are a business owner who struggles to switch off, then a digital detox weekend might be a great way to reset your mental space and allow you to return to work with better focus to tackle your to-do list.
Better sleep quality
We all know that too much time on devices, especially in the evening, disrupts sleep. Blue light from screens blocks melatonin, the hormone that helps you rest. Less screen exposure means better sleep and a refreshed mind the next day.
Switching off digital communication is a perfect opportunity to relax. So take your holiday time to enjoy some board games or social connections instead of scrolling through a Facebook post late at night. A tech-free vacation can reset your nightly routine and improve daily life.
Increased physical activity
Tech-free vacations often lead to more movement. Without digital devices taking up your time (check your screen time usage – it can be scary!), you might go hiking, explore a remote destination, or walk along the beach instead of being glued to your phone. There’s nothing like a change of scenery to boost your mood, so you’ll likely spend less time sitting and more time outdoors enjoying nature.
This growing trend of unplugging gives a great way to fight physical problems caused by inactivity in everyday life.
Strengthened Relationships
Turning off digital devices at the dinner table or during free time allows more social interaction with your family and friends. And we all know how strong relationships grow when you focus on loved ones without distractions.
Simply being present can lead to a significant increase in deeper bonds. Reconnecting with people is one of the greatest benefits of vacationing away from today’s hyper-connected world. An unplugged holiday creates tech-free zones, allowing full days spent connecting with those around you.
Boosted Creativity
For me, switching off screens can boost my creativity. I find that by stepping away from constant information sharing, my brain has space to think freely. I end up having loads more creative ideas and feel really inspired when I come back! I also think we sometimes need to allow ourselves to feel bored and sit with our thoughts for a bit to reignite that creative spark!
9 Tips to Unplug On Holiday:
- Nature Walks: Explore nature and leave your phone behind to reconnect with your surroundings
- Journaling: Reflect daily by writing down your experiences and thoughts to stay present
- Reading: Bring a physical book to unwind and give your eyes a break from screens
- Face-to-Face Conversations: Spend quality time with travel companions, enjoying real interactions
- Setting Boundaries: Limit device use to specific hours to create screen-free periods
- Turning off Notifications: Disable alerts to minimise distractions from your holiday experience
- Creating Device-Free Zones: Designate places like the pool or beach as no-device areas
- Social Media Break: Temporarily deactivate or block social media to reduce screen time
- Emergency Preparedness: Inform others of limited device use, print necessary documents, download offline maps, and carry cash for emergencies
So, what do you think, will you ditch the digital world on your next holiday?