Get everyone on board
“You really need buy in from all travel companions who are going on the vacation,” says Michael J. Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist. “[A digital detox] won’t work if everyone does not participate.” Having trouble getting your friends and family to agree to limited screen time? Give them a few concrete reasons how technology hurts your health. Research suggests that heavy technology users have a higher risk of mental health problems and don’t sleep as well. Even the mere presence of a cell phone can be distracting enough to that people don’t perform well on mental tasks, like being mindful of staying in the moment. Studies have also found that constantly staying connected actually works against your relationships, too, despite your well-meaning intentions.
Gone fishin’
Hang up your metaphorical sign and let everyone know who is likely to email or text, that you are going on an electronic diet for a week, Dr. Breus says. At the office, you’ll want to set your out of office on your email. But stop short of making a broad announcement on Facebook that you’re heading out of town, as that can raise some safety risks.
