So what is a digital detox?
A digital detox is when you take an intentional break from using any digital devices, such as your mobile phone, laptop or television. This includes switching your phone to silent mode or do not disturb to turn off any non-essential notifications that may tempt you to use the device – excluding emergency phone calls of course!
Why should I try a digital detox?
Unfortunately in the modern age overuse of technology and its applications, such as social media, has led to increased stress and anxiety especially amongst younger generations who have had access to it from an earlier age. As social media in particular has become more prominent in daily lives with 44.84 million of us in the UK using Facebook on a daily basis it has become harder to detach from our devices which can become a cause for increased stress and anxiety. Which is why detoxing has now become both popular and essential to improving your mental and physical health.
What are the benefits of a digital detox?
Completing a digital detox has been scientifically proven to improve both your physical and mental health by helping to reconnect with yourself without the need for digital content stimulation. Here are the top reported benefits for completing a detox:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that spending time offline and in nature has proven to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, by 21%! Reducing stress even in small doses can improve your mind and body by improving your blood pressure and heart rate. By reducing anxiety it can help to sharpen your mental functioning to improve essential skills such as problem solving and the ability to cope with stressful situations in day-to-day life.
Sharpens focus and productivity
By building up a healthy separation from the distraction of notifications and the attachment to your device it can help to improve your focus and productivity. Spending too much time on technology can reduce the ability for deep-thinking and maintaining focus. Notifications in particular can be known to cause distraction with a study finding that checking your phone in between tasks makes tasks take 19% longer to complete. Once your detox is complete consider switching off non-essential notifications to immerse yourself in the task you are working on until its completion. This can include during working hours, when reading, when nature walking or even when consuming entertainment on another device.
Improved sleep
Quality sleep is essential to the healthy cognitive functions in your brain that control aspects such as memory, concentration and attention. Studies show that using your phone before bed can keep your mind alert and suppress the sleep hormone, melatonin by up to 22%. By taking time away from your devices and looking for other sources of entertainment such as being out in nature on a relaxing walk, trying out a hot tub or simply reading a book you enjoy will help to naturally relax you ready to sleep. After your detox is complete, consider increasing the time between using your device and the time you go to sleep or not using it at all in the evening to ensure that the benefit continues.
Helps to improve mood
This may seem like an obvious benefit but is definitely worth mentioning on this list. By taking time away from digital devices and removing yourself from the pressures of online presentation, your mood will naturally begin to reflect your new environment. By immersing yourself in a calm space and enjoying quality time with someone you love or taking time to yourself you will become naturally relaxed with your mood becoming positive. Taking time away from devices and immersing yourself in a non-digital experience whether that is a walk, a day trip to a new city or just enjoying a new book will continue to help you to remain in a relaxed and positive state of mind.
Helps to reduce your reliance on technology
Taking time away from the digital world and connecting with yourself without it will open your eyes to how unnecessary it is to be attached to your devices. As we live in a modern world it is impossible to escape the use of digital devices and is not what we are recommending. We are in fact recommending that you re-evaluate the need to be on your devices as often once your working day is complete to create a more healthy screen time habit.
What is the recommended length of time for an effective detox?
A digital detox even for a small duration is a healthy thing to work into your day-to-day life especially if you work on screens as part of your job. However, to experience the true benefits it is recommended that you detox for a three day period.
Where is the best place to detox?
As this activity is all about finding relaxation and de-stressing it is recommended that you select a calming environment to complete your detox. If you live in a city it may be best to venture out to the countryside where you are surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature to reconnect with yourself and your companion to maximise the relaxation. If you live in the countryside it would benefit you to travel outside of your area away from familiarity and experience a new environment in order to find a place of relaxation. Sometimes you don’t need to travel far it can be surprising to learn what is on your doorstep in an area you already love.
Is a digital detox right for me?
No matter who you are, we would recommend trying a digital detox at least once to experience its benefits. In any job role in the modern world, technology is at the centre of what you do, whether this is teaching, an office role or a manual role so a detox would benefit you.
Ready to try a digital detox?
At Redhill Holidays we offer a luxury glamping experience unlike any other, with stays available from two nights to seven nights or longer if needed. Our glamping pods are situated in a tranquil and calm environment surrounded by nature walks in the heart of the scenic Hereford and Worcester countryside. Each of our pods includes a private outdoor space with a fitted kitchen, private toilet and a luxurious hot tub that overlooks the Malvern Hills. It feels like you are the only people for miles. Pour a nice cold glass of your favourite liquid refreshment and relax in the british sunshine listening to the calming sounds of tweeting birds and baa-ing sheep. Relax on either our sun loungers or the hot tub, just lie back and look up at the crystal clear stars which are unaffected by light pollution Then, after a restful nights sleep in the comfortable bed, enjoy a peaceful walk on one of our many walking trails just on our doorstep and experience the tranquillity of Whitbourne’s nature and local wildlife. As part of your experience visit our onsite pub The Hutch Inn where you can sample locally crafted beer and cider as well as enjoying a stone baked pizza or charcuterie board containing Herefordshire’s delicious local produce. Everything at Redhill is crafted and designed “Just for you”
So what are you waiting for? Book a stay with us today and start your relaxation journey now.
