10 Reasons to do a Digital Detox

Relinquishing all your digital devices may seem like a scary concept, no smartphones, no Wi-Fi, no TV, no technological devices whatsoever for the duration of your detox, yet it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There are so many benefits to disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with reality, and here are just ten of them.

1) To reconnect with the world around you

Switching off your devices gives you the chance to reconnect with the world around you, you’ll be amazed at what a beautiful place it can be when you look up from your phone, take off your headphones and simply experience all the sights and sounds that surround you, this is especially the case when enjoying a digital detox retreat abroad!

2) To reconnect with the people around you

While many of us may use our digital devices to keep in contact with each other, it more often than not actually distracts us from connecting with the people who are really around us. Put away your devices and allow yourself to fully enjoy the company of those around you, you’ll be surprised at how much more engaged you will instantly feel.

3) To discover new hobbies

Using our digital devices takes up a surprising amount of time, time that could be put towards picking back up an old hobby or even discovering a new one. Use the time you would spend on your devices doing yoga, reading, drawing, or just about anything else and you are sure to feel much more fulfilled.

4) To sleep better

The use of digital devices has been shown in many studies to impair our sleeping, particularly when used in the hour before you go to bed. Turning off your devices ensures you can get a better night’s sleep and won’t get woken up in the middle of the night by something that could wait until morning.

5) To take some time for yourself

Digital devices allow us to be connected at all times, but sometimes we need time out to simply be by ourselves. Without being immediately contactable you will be able to properly relax, allowing you to switch off your mind as well as your devices.

6) To break the cycle

For many, actions such as checking your phone or other devices has become an unconscious habit, we do it without even thinking about it. However it is a habit you don’t need, especially when it has you itching to check your phone no matter the situation or occasion. It can be difficult to get out the cycle, but a complete break on a digital detox creates the perfect circumstances to finally give up this bad habit.

7) To improve your attention span

Following on from the previous point, your technological devices can be an unwanted distraction which a digital detox will help you rid yourself of. Whether at work, socialising with friends, or just enjoying some downtime, the light up of your phone screen is enough to draw your attention away from whatever you’re doing in an instant and make you much less productive, but a digital detox will help stop this.

8) To improve your health

Excessive use of digital devices has been shown to have an impact on your health. Ever experience a headache or neck pain after a day spent hunched staring at a screen? A digital detox will help break the habits that are linked to these problems, resulting in a happier, healthier you.

9) To develop a better relationship with technology

Going on a digital detox doesn’t mean you need to give up technology forever; in fact it can help you develop a better relationship with it. The detox will help you stop being so dependent on your devices and highlight when they actually benefit your life, meaning you will to learn to use them only when they are helpful, not when they become a hindrance.

10) To enjoy life more

Combine all these reasons and you get the simple answer; go on a digital detox to enjoy life more. Be in the moment, feel connected to the world and others around you, be happier and healthier and with more time to do the things you enjoy and that really matter, what more reason do you need?

Where to go for a Digital Detox?

One of the best ways to digital detox is on a dedicated retreat, and here's our pick of some of the best ones.

Brenners Park Hotel & Villa Stephanie, Germany
Voted the best for digital detox in the Tatler Spa Guide 2015, Brenners Park Hotel Villa Stephanie had to feature on our list. With buttons in guests rooms that can disconnect them from the electric grid and WiFi, here you can enjoy a complete break from technology free from the temptation to switch your devices back on. Combine your digital detox with a more traditional one on their 7 day Vitality Detox from £3,199 pp sharing to return home feeling completely renewed.

Kamalaya, Thailand
With guest rooms free of TVs and the use of digital devices restricted in public spaces, the environment at Kamalaya is one of complete tranquillity, perfect for you to fully commit to your digital detox. Enjoy their Relax and Renew programme from just £2,249 pp sharing and you'll leave feeling like a completely new and digitally-detoxed person.

Vana Malsi Estate, India
Offering a personalised programme, your retreat at Vana Malsi Estate can be tailored to your exact needs, and with the use of digital devices being restricted to guests' rooms, it is the perfect place to undergo a digital detox. Experience the 7 night personalised programme from just £1,996 pp sharing.

Speak to one of our experts on 020 7843 3597 or email info@healingholidays.co.uk to start planning your digital detox retreat.