Only a few months back, I opted to leave the concrete metropolitan area where I reside in the ‘big smoke’ in the most populous state in New South Wales, Australia, which currently stands at well over 8.4 million.
I was yearning to venture out and stay interstate with a couple of close friends.
Like anyone else, I deserved a much-needed break from being shackled to my desk in my humble home office and welcomed a complete change of scenery.
Upon arrival in Queensland, little did I know that since I had last spoken to my guests for they had totally ditched the cacophony and noisy nightlife in exchange for the sounds of nature.
So, when I was picked up by a carbon-neutral vehicle from a small country train station, it surprised me that I would be completely living life off the grid for a few days.
It became apparent I would be sending my last SMS for the day to my loved ones, who would have only assumed I had disappeared off the face of the Earth.
The signal on my phone gradually dwindled on all my portable devices until the top right-hand corner of what I am normally glued to flickered between one bar, then ‘SOS’ mode, and then nothing at all.
Although I knew my friends would look after me, I felt a rush of anxiety as I was suddenly disconnected from my comfort zone in a digital world.
I was completely uncontactable and felt I had entered a black hole.
When I researched the term further, I was experiencing a modern-day term known as ‘nomophobia’, or ‘NO–MObilePHOBIA‘. It’s a rather metaphysical definition pertaining to the irrational fear of being without a mobile phone.
However, within hours, I was amongst the beauty in bucolic surroundings looking at lavender, not laptops.
My hearing became attuned to birdcalls, not the incessant auditory pollution of constant beeping. Only then did I realise how hyper-connected I normally was to the rest of the world.
Initially, escaping the constant barrage of emails, social media notifications, and work demands was somewhat challenging. Axiomatically, being detached from dependents like children or a partner would have exacerbated my ‘fear’ unless they were in physical proximity.
So, in no particular order, here are my ten reasons why anyone should consider taking a digital holiday.
My thoughts were scribbled as below by candlelight using (yes!) a good old fashion pencil and recycled paper:
1. Improved mental health: One of the most significant benefits of taking a digital holiday is its positive impact on your mental health. Research has shown that excessive use of technology can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Taking a break from technology can help reduce these negative emotions and provide a sense of clarity and calmness.
2. Increased productivity: Another benefit of taking a digital holiday is the increased productivity that often follows. When completely disconnected from technology, I have had the opportunity to focus on other tasks and activities that require my attention. For me, this had led to improved concentration, better time management, and increased creativity.
3. Better quality sleep: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with our natural sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. I stopped being one of those notorious 10.30 pm mobile phone scrollers. The quality of my sleep by reducing my exposure to blue light enabled me to wind down quicker before bedtime.
4. Enhanced social connections: While technology has made it easier to connect with others, it can also create a sense of disconnection and isolation. Taking a digital holiday allowed me to connect with hosts more meaningfully without the distraction of technology. How many times at the dinner table have you been disturbed by that ‘seemingly’ important SMS that has drawn the attention away from your fellow diners?
5. Improved physical health: Excessive use of technology can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can have negative effects on our physical health. My break allowed me to engage in more physical activity and spend time outdoors. In essence, this improved my overall health and well-being.
6. Improved relationships: Taking a digital holiday can also benefit our relationships with others. By disconnecting from technology, we can give our full attention to the people around us, allowing us to communicate more effectively and strengthen our bonds.
7. Greater mindfulness: When we are constantly connected to technology, it can be difficult to be present in the moment and practice mindfulness. A few days away can provide more of an opportunity to be fully present and engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment.
8. Reduced eye strain: Staring at screens for prolonged periods can lead to ophthalmological strain, headaches, and fatigue. Taking a break from technology can help reduce the strain on our eyes, leading to improved vision and overall eye health.
9. Improved memory and cognition: Constant technological stimulation can make retaining information and remembering important details difficult. By taking a digital holiday, we can improve our memory and cognitive function, allowing us to retain better and recall information.
10. A greater appreciation for nature: by disconnecting from technology, I had the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. It led to a greater appreciation for the natural world and improved health benefits associated with spending time breathing fresher air in tranquil surroundings.
Like recharging oneself at a remote wellness retreat, many people are opting to take a digital holiday and living off the grid temporarily was the perfect solution.
Without trying to come across like a new-age, ‘tree-hugging’ hippy, I also received the perfect dose of ‘Vitamin G‘, which implies ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’. It is described as the “ultimate antioxidant”, gained simply from spending more time in greener spaces.
Though I have been on many short breaks in my life, such as camping, this was an experience at this inimitable location like no other. On returning to my normal daily life in my concrete jungle, I felt more rejuvenated than I could ever remember.
More impressively, I realised I had been entirely fed and watered using electricity generated by solar power and purified rainwater. Meaning we had all harnessed the elements to their maximum capacity as our sole energy source.
So, I ask the reader. When was the last time you took a digital holiday? And if so, how was your experience?
Feel free to share your comments.
About the author
Dr Surrinder Singh is a medical doctor, blogger and freelance writer. He is passionate about healthcare, medicine and education and works professionally with B2B and B2C clients.
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