Addictions come in all shapes and sizes, but one that almost everyone unintentionally suffers from is the addiction to the cell phone. I don’t think people would choose to be obsessed, but many find it hard to even go an hour without peeking at the rectangular device.
It lures us in for different reasons. Some have a need for the communal aspect and spend their time flipping between their favorite social media apps. Others place the blame on work and don’t feel they can let too much time pass without checking their inbox.
In addition to the connectivity aspect, phones have successfully replaced tasks we used to be able to do ourselves. From simple calculations and setting reminders to checking the current weather – as if stepping outside is too much of a chore – we’ve decided to count on our tiny computers to do the trick.
Instant answers have replaced constructive discussions. The Google search bar that was once stationed at our home computers now sits at our fingertips, ready to give its two cents in every conversation.
There is no doubt our phones are extremely convenient and useful, but where do we draw the line? When we are no longer challenged to think on our own, it makes you stop and wonder what the days were like before these devices. Smartphones are amazing tools, but it’s okay to take a step back and live life like the “old days” from time to time.
A perfect opportunity to do so is on your next vacation. If you don’t already have one booked, your first step is contacting your favorite travel advisor and getting something on the books. Then you can start to prepare for your digital detox.
I know, I know – it sounds intimidating. Your clients need you; your to-do list is a mile long, and you couldn’t imagine spending a whole vacation without your phone in hand. There will always be an excuse not to, but I’m here to tell you that it is possible to live without your phone for a few days with a bit of preparation, and there are so many benefits in doing so.
When it comes to your work, you can start talking about your time away well in advance. Some people put their out-of-office dates in their email signature a few weeks prior, so clients can take care of anything they need to in advance.
However, something is bound to come up while you’re out, so it’s important to have a coworker available as a point of contact for your clients. If you are a one-person team, maybe it’s time to look into utilizing a 24-hour service that your clients can work with if they need help with their trips while you’re out of the office. Everyone needs a true break now and then, and this isn’t possible if you don’t have anyone available to help your customers when you’re away.
Some people worry about the lack of posts while they’re taking a digital break. Travel advisors usually like to stay engaged with their audiences on social media platforms every day, but there are programs like Hootsuite that allow users to plan out content in advance. This way your posts will continue to go live while you take a much-needed, screen-free break on the beach.
On the personal side, if there are specific family members that you need to stay in touch with on vacation, be sure they know where you’re staying and have a phone number to get ahold of you in the event of an emergency.
Being screen-free on vacation unleashes several benefits. There is a level of relaxation you can reach without the constant interruption of notifications. When your eyes aren’t focused on a screen, you’ll find it’s easier to take in your surroundings – the destination you’re in, the people you meet and the little things that are often missed along the way.
You’ll also create a closer connection with your travel companions. More conversations are had when phones aren’t involved. Use this digital detox time to reconnect with your partner, catch up with your friends or see the world through your children’s eyes.
Maybe leaving the phone out of the fun sounds intimidating. You might think you’ll get behind at work. In reality, though, you’ll truly be able to disconnect, and in turn, this will help rejuvenate you and give you the energy you need when you’re back in the saddle.
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