Is It Time You Had a Digital Detox?

Aashly Jayan, Health and Wellness Advisor at Chiva-Som discusses the role of technology in our lives and when it might be time to consider a digital detox.

There’s no getting away from it… technology plays an intrinsic role in our lives. It’s how we keep in touch with the world around us whether it’s business or personal and how we connect with one another on a day-to-day basis. But having the world at our fingertips, as research shows can also have a negative impact on our lives.

Spending too much time at a computer or hunched over your phone can lead to all sorts of physical and mental health issues. Whether you’re staring at screens as part of your job and not paying attention to your eyes or posture or you’re like a moth to a flame at every notification sound your phone makes – a digital detox retreat could be transformative to your health and wellbeing in the long term as well as the short!

Going digital-free for 24 hours or even half a day is a good goal to help ease you into weaning yourself away from your devices. Here are some further top tips:

• Turn off notifications during working hours
• Convert your screen settings to black and white
• Designate tech-free hours and plan what you’ll be doing in them
• Make your bedroom an electronics-free zone – leave your phone outside the room at night and don’t scroll before bedtime! You could even turn the wi-fi off when you go to sleep to really commit to digitally detoxing
• Limit yourself to one screen at a time – don’t watch TV with your phone in hand for example.
• Configure your notifications to only display at certain times or not at all – the ‘do not disturb’, ‘bedtime’ or ‘focus’ available on most smartphones can help you with this. You can even put screen time limits on apps to ensure you’re not using them too frequently.
• Unsubscribe from email newsletters that clutter your inbox – sometimes all is takes is one insignificant notification to take us right back to scrolling mindlessly for hours at a time.
• Always ask yourself ‘why?’ before picking up your phone, tablet or logging on to your laptop. If you not doing it with purpose – don’t do it at all!

According to one study by Statista, smartphone and laptop use had risen by 46% by the end of July 2020. Pandemics, breaking news, more ‘free’ time, and boredom have all made us much more likely to reach for our phones which in turn builds a habit and an unhealthy attachment.

Aashly Jayan says “If you are feeling fine about your technology habits, there is no need to guilt yourself into a social media cleanse. But if your affinity for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat is causing you stress or getting in the way of your life, then taking a break may be helpful.”

The same goes for those that work almost exclusively from laptops and computers – whether you’re a CEO or a social media manager, it’s common to find yourself working long hours without taking breaks due to deadlines or the fear of being disconnected and your business crashing down around you. In the long term, this is not healthy – not only is it bad for your physical health but it can also lead to stress and burnout.

A dedicated digital detox retreat will help you to press the reset button on your relationship with tech – allowing you to be the master of how you use it – rather that it ruling your behaviour, moods, and day-to-day life. Even a wellness retreat that discourages use of tech in common areas is a great way to relax, cultivate new hobbies and switch off with holistic spa therapies.

“You can try mindful activities such as yoga, gardening, cooking, or walking. These activities seem so simple, but they allow our minds time to be creative, ponder, have eureka moments and to feel comfortable in our own company” suggests Aashly.

A digital detox retreat is an opportunity to switch off and reconnect with yourself and your long-term goals in both your professional and personal life. It may be just what you need to start living a happier, healthier lifestyle that fulfils you in all aspects.

Talk to one of our Wellness Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your ideal digital detox retreat!

Health & Wellness Advisor at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som

 Dr. Jayan holds a degree in naturopathy and yoga science from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bangalore, India, and a master’s degree in acupuncture from Jingwell Academy of Education and Research. His extensive knowledge and substantial experience in the health and wellness sciences field makes him an ideal member of the Zulal wellness team. Prior to joining the Zulal team, Dr. Jayan worked as acupuncturist and yoga consultant across worldrenowned wellness retreats and Ayurvedic hospitals. Alongside team building and management, his experience covers naturopathy consultations, leading client seminars, managing wellness centres, and delivering yoga therapy programmes to guests. Today, Dr. Jayan is an essential member of the Zulal Wellness team where he applies his holistic and innovative therapies to help guests rejuvenate and revitalise their lives.