As our reliance on technology continues to grow, you may feel constantly attached to your devices. While we may need these gadgets to do our work and stay in touch with loved ones, our online activities can often be detrimental to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. According to 2017 data from the American Psychological Association, nearly one-fifth of Americans identify the use of technology as a very or somewhat significant source of stress. But that same report found that around 65% of Americans somewhat or strongly agree that taking a digital detox or periodically unplugging from technology is important for their mental health.
If you want a way to take a much-needed break from your smartphone and from social media, a digital detox vacation can be a great way to go. Because you're putting yourself in a new environment and will be occupied with exciting activities, you might not even miss aimlessly scrolling through your newsfeed. Not sure how to even go about taking a no-tech vacay? These tips should help.
Pick the right place
Some vacation spots and resorts are simply better suited for a digital detox getaway than others. A bustling metropolis like New York City or Los Angeles isn't necessarily ideal, particularly if you need to use your phone to secure transportation or communicate with others in your travel group. It's usually better to opt for nature vacations in relatively remote areas. Not only will cell service be rather spotty anyway, but the emphasis of your trip will likely be on more traditional experiences that don't involve technology. Alaska lodges are a great choice here, as 52% of Alaska's acreage is actually wilderness and there'll be plenty of activities to occupy your mind -- which brings us to our next point...
Make a list or itinerary
When you arrive at these beautiful Alaska lodges, remote cabins, or other vacation options, you probably won't want to play everything by ear. That could leave you bored and cause you to struggle with tech withdrawal. Instead, you'll want to stay busy. You can make sure you're occupied with IRL activities by making a list of everything you want to do during your vacation or even creating a detailed itinerary to make sure you stick to that schedule. While you don't want to go overboard (otherwise, you might not have a chance to actually relax!), prioritizing these non-digital activities can give your mind something to look forward to. Even if it's reading a new book, going to a yoga class, taking a paddle, or exploring the local area, you should write it down on paper.
Use an app
It may seem completely counterintuitive to rely on a phone app to help you take a digital detox. But when you're feeling a bit too weak and want to give in to quickly check your accounts, these apps can be extremely valuable. There are several apps out there that place restrictions on your phone or laptop use; you can set them up to let you browse for only a certain time or not allow you to use your devices at all. If you need to use one of these apps, don't be too hard on yourself. These days, we're conditioned to be dependent on our devices -- so don't beat yourself up for having a lack of willpower. And if there are times when you do need to check in at home or get directions for your own safety, these apps will cut you some slack.
Practice Beforehand
Before you arrive at one of the these Alaska lodges for your vacation, you may want to do a practice run. By getting used to unplugging for certain periods of time, it won't be such a shock when you don't have your phone in your hand at all times. Go for a walk without your phone or instate device-free dinners to help you get used to the idea. While it might feel weird at first, you'll probably end up experiencing a sense of relief after a while.
Our Alaska lodge is ideal for your digital detox vacation. With so much beauty to experience, you won't even miss texting or scrolling through social media. To find out more, please get in touch with us today.
