WHY EVERYONE SHOULD BOOK A DIGITAL DETOX RETREAT

Do you remember the last time you spent a whole day without your phone? Are you able to go without your phone the first few hours after waking up? Can you watch a movie without scrolling through your emails or socials? If the answer is ‘no’ to all three questions, it might be time to book a digital detox retreat.

In today’s modern world, most people rely heavily on their digital devices:

• Google maps for driving directions and where to have the best lunch
• Pinterest for the perfect wedding moodboard
• Finding a recipe
• Sending quick replies to work emails
• Responding to Whatsapp and text messages
• Meditation apps to calm busy minds
• Reading books
• And so much more..

Whereas it can be extremely useful to have Google Maps in times of ‘need’ – it becomes a problem when we’re just aimlessly scrolling our lives away.

We have listed 5 reasons why you should book a digital detox retreat and the benefits of taking a tech-free break.

IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR SLEEP

It’s more and more common for people to experience sleepless nights. One of the main culprits is having too much external stimuli prior to bed-time, and with stimuli we mean smart phones.

The same device that seamlessly navigates us to appointments is also responsible for telling our brain to ‘stay awake’. The blue wavelengths from the screen mess with our melatonin production which is the sleep hormone responsible for providing us with a restful sleep. Using any digital devices after 7pm will simply result in less shut-eye.

Whether you book a digital detox retreat or not, ban your phone from your bedroom and ensure to unplug 2 hours prior to going to bed. Your brain will have a chance to relax, and prepare for a good night of sleep.

A DIGITAL DETOX CAN REDUCE STRESS

Push notifications and a constant overload on ‘pings’ are said to add more anxiety and stress to our already overwhelmed brains. The feeling that we have 19 ‘tabs’ open in our mind is detrimental for our mental wellbeing. Many of us feel the need to instantly reply to emails (or feel guilty for not responding immediately) which increases stress levels, and we end up feeling snowed under, not knowing which message to tackle first.

Embracing a digital detox retreat will reset and repair the mind. And this reset is absolutely vital in today’s busy world. Upon returning home, switch off any push notifications, and set a time of the day/week during which you reply to messages.

MORE QUALITY TIME FOR YOU

It’s easy to get sucked into the Instagram vortex or Pinterest labyrinth, right? Spending less time online means more time to do the things we never have ‘time’ for.. Human connection and quality time with friends and family are so important. Host a dinner with friends, go Champainting (it’s a thing!), or learn a new hobby.

A tech-free retreat will provide a sneak peek in to a world of slower living and mindfulness. It will help you to become more aware of your digital usage back at home.

SWITCHING OFF WILL MAKE YOU HAPPIER

Yep, that’s a big statement. But it’s true. A recent study at Nottingham University has proven that a third of the messages we receive worsens our mood. Spending most of our day online can also make us feel socially isolated. Combine that with the added stress-load of having a smartphone and we’ve got ourselves a miserable situation.

Unplugging and switching off from digital devices will make us feel more connected to the world and others around us. We become more present and we re-appreciate all the pleasures that life has to offer: yoga, walks in nature, conversations with friends, sharing dinners, and real human connection.

ESTABLISH A BETTER ‘DIGITAL HABIT’

Going offline (or preferable off-the-grid to a beautiful remote island – yes please!) is easier said than done. Bosses are more and more demanding, and often expect us to be available 24/7.

Booking a digital detox retreat will make it far easier to relax and develop a healthy digital habit. The stillness and feeling of calm that comes with switching off should be a very good basis to make you less dependent on technology when you return home.

About the author: Sab is the founder of Retreat Here and Sabijn Linssen Yoga. She creates Yoga and Wine experiences to connect like-minded women in Victoria. She’s also a fully certified Yoga Instructor, offering private and corporate yoga classes in Melbourne. If you want a mini digital detox retreat taster, our yoga retreat in The Otways is a great place to start.