Finally on vacation! This year, you’ve decided to ditch smartphones and tablets to recharge your batteries without any intrusion from work or your Facebook friends. Until that family photo serves as an excuse to risk a furtive glance at your work inbox… Twenty minutes later, you haven’t broken away from your screen. Your resolve is sinking. All is not lost! Here are our tips for a digital detox on vacation.
To truly unplug on vacation, you don’t have to torture yourself—just adopt the right habits
Accrocs aux écran elle-même, la rédaction de consoGlobe vous donne dix conseils pour réussir à vous déconnecter.
#1 Prepare for time off from the office
It’s hard to be away from the office while leaving a project or file unresolved. Coupled with the impression of being indispensable, an unplanned departure will be a source of stress and will amplify the temptation to read or reply to emails once on vacation.
To go away relaxed, you’ll need to ensure a proper handover. First by briefing colleagues or collaborators on a hot case. Also by activating your out-of-office messages and redirecting emails to a designated point person.
#2 Schedule a daily time slot to check your devices
Rather than a brutal withdrawal, it’s better to proceed in steps. Especially since some professionals cannot afford to ignore their emails even on vacation. In this situation, psychologists recommend carving out a dedicated window for checking devices at a specific time of day.
As much as possible, this digital rendezvous should fit between the vacation’s highlights so as not to spoil them. For example, just before cocktail hour, the family stroll, or after returning from the beach while you wait for your turn to shower.
#3 Experience your vacation for yourself and your loved ones
A beautiful sunset, a picturesque market, a platter of seafood… All these sensations won’t lose their emotion or intensity if you don’t share them on Instagram or on Facebook. You just have to try.
Unplugging from the daily grind also means giving yourself permission to simply observe and relish the senses. After all, memories take on a life of their own and don’t require recognition on social media.
#4 Limit smartphone use to its tool functions
In the old days, the alarm clock, calculator, or calendar were physical objects rather than apps. It’s a cliché, but a smartphone isn’t just for calling. During vacations, it’s better to view it as a toolbox rather than a socializing instrument.
#5 Disable notifications at departure time
No relief. Every two minutes, a flurry of notifications demands your attention. It’s hard to decompress under these conditions. Yet a simple gesture can fix it.
In your smartphone’s Settings menu, there is a feature that will let you disable notifications from all apps. The vacation will be that much more relaxing
#6 Don’t fear boredom
It’s a conditioned reflex. A lull settles in between two visits or during a car ride. Almost in a panicked motion, your hand reaches for your phone to wander with no clear aim. Just to satisfy the irresistible urge to fill a void.
Yet vacations are also an opportunity to face yourself, listen to your desires, and perhaps reevaluate your plans or priorities.
#7 Stow smartphones and tablets in a box
Not everyone can keep usage moderate. The solution could lie in a box that would keep all devices out of sight for times when they aren’t essential, such as during meals or at night.
#8 Designate a daily photographer
Capturing your vacation in images remains a rite of passage. But none of your companions has a DSLR or digital camera. To avoid temptation, simply designate a daily photographer who will be the only one allowed to bring a camera during excursions or at meals.
#9 Engage the whole family
The approach should involve everyone and set an example for your kids.
Nothing prevents implementing it in a playful way, for example by issuing a penalty for any smartphone use that isn’t warranted by circumstances.
#10 Forget the charger
None of these tips seems convincing? There’s a radical remedy: leave your charger behind when you pack!
