How To Unplug On Holiday According To A Photographer, Hotelier & Psychologist
Disconnecting on holiday is the ultimate luxury. And until now, it’s been much easier said than done.
“What’s the wifi password?” “Ugh, I’m out of data.” “I can’t get a signal!” “I just have to send this email real quick.” “Tag me in that post!” “Don’t tag me!”
Sound familiar? One of the best parts of vacation — the part that actually relaxes us — is the opportunity to immerse ourselves in an experience outside of our everyday life. But our ability to be mindful when we take in new surroundings is muted when we don’t allow ourselves to be fully present. Clinical psychologist Dr. Amy Simler says that succeeding with any type of digital detox is all about making a plan that will work for you before leaving on a trip. Disconnecting, she says, “will automatically allow for you to be present, slow down, and reconnect with yourself as well as anyone you may be traveling with.”
It’s important to recognize your own tech usage and be honest with yourself about what you need, she says. She suggests deleting apps off your home page — cough-Instagram-cough — and reducing notification settings. Another idea is to set a timer and honor the boundary you set for yourself, for example, only use your device twice a day for 15 minutes each time. If you absolutely need to be reachable, provide family members with the phone number of the property you’re staying at, or discuss in advance the specific times that you will be checking in throughout the day. Then, put your phone down.
Photography @enrico_costantini
Before you protest that you can’t leave your phone in the room because it’s also your camera, photographer Erin Sullivan says that it’s also important to be mindful when taking photos. Sullivan gave a TED Talk focused on the question, “Does photographing a moment steal the experience for you?” In it, she says that she’s noticed a certain pressure while traveling to take her camera with her and produce content, decreasing her enjoyment of the moment. In Burnett’s experience, presence and connection make for more compelling images. She suggests taking a deep breath, looking around, and noticing the details of the moment, saying, “photography can be part of a beautiful experience. Just don't let it be a block between you and reality.”
And what about those beautiful pictures you do take? Dr. Simler recommends not posting Instagram stories during your trip, because doing so will prompt you to look at your phone more. She says “instant gratification is not always best when trying to stay mindful.” Instead, she advises waiting until you get home to decide what, if anything, to share.
The challenge of disconnecting from smartphones and social media has led to the rising popularity of off-the-grid escapes. Alex Glasscock, Founder & CEO of The Ranch at Malibu — a luxury fitness and wellness retreat in California’s Santa Monica Mountains — says that being unplugged dramatically supports the experience and results of their guests. There are no telephones or TVs in the rooms, and the broad lack of WiFi or cellular service on-premises means that guests are unable to mindlessly scroll through social media for hours on end.
The Ranch is not alone in this strategy. Getaway operates dozens of outposts — tiny cabins nestled in nature — within two hours’ drive of major cities across the United States. Each cabin comes with a cell phone lockbox and as their website bluntly states, “Each of the cabins is equipped with a landline for calls to the Getaway team or to 911 in case of emergency. There is no WiFi and never will be.”
Glasscock says that eliminating digital devices, just for a week, helps to reset and clear the mind from the constant interruptions of texts, emails, and deadlines. It also shows that it is “possible to take a break from the outside world and not be left out.”
For those of us who struggle with FOMO, Dr. Simler suggests challenging anxious thoughts, such as the feeling that you must check social media to stay aware of what is going on at all times. Ask yourself, “are these facts, or will things actually be okay if I don’t listen to these beliefs?” and, “how will my trip turn out better if I stay unplugged versus how will I feel if I stay connected the entire trip?”
As your holiday is winding down, Dr. Simler recommends paying close attention to how your mood is impacted while you’re unplugged — especially as it relates to your connection with yourself and those around you — then writing down some benefits you experienced as reminders to be more mindful in your everyday life. As Glasscock reminds us, making small, incremental changes to our habits will create big shifts over time to help us enjoy more mindful holidays and ultimately, lives.