We spend our working hours looking forward to our holiday to rest and recharge. Yet when we get there, our holiday can often involve snapping Instagram-worthy pics, checking work emails, and scrolling through endless feeds with a bag of Lays. Apparently nearly 50% of us admit to checking emails and working for at least 1 hour a day whilst on annual leave. So why is it that we look forward to a change of scenery and some time off, but still fill our time with the things we’re trying to escape. Well, most of the stress we feel comes from that little device in our pockets. Phones are addictive, so it’s tempting and easy to quickly check emails or scroll during downtime. So how can we truly embrace our time off without checking our phones all the time?
Why we can’t switch off on holiday
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Social media is a constant stream of what other people are doing, so when you’re not checking socials you might fear you’re missing out on some news or the next new trend. Being offline means you won’t get any of the latest updates which can make us feel like we need to keep checking in to avoid missing out.
The Fear of Switching Off (FOSO)
One study found 49% of people check emails for at least an hour a day whilst on holiday. The term ‘Fear of Switching Off’ or FOSO is the technology version of FOMO but applies to emails, messages, and those endless notifications. Workers may feel guilt for not being online, or fear missing an important update. Plus, the anticipatory stress, or the expectation of having to respond to after-work emails also stresses employees out.
Sharing on social media
Whether it’s a dinner, sitting by the pool or capturing an amazing view - there are a lot of photo opportunities when we’re on holiday. The social media engine can make us feel the need to post these to show everyone what we’re doing in an aesthetically pleasing way, so we can end up spending time ‘getting the right shot’ rather than living in the moment.
Reliance on technology
We use tech for everything: taking photos, booking the best restaurants and navigating a foreign country. And in some cases, technology is really helpful for making our trips easier, but just having our phones on us means we can often get sucked into notifications or emails.
The benefits of going offline on holiday
Disconnecting from your phone has a long list of benefits, which all help you get the 7 types of rest that you desperately need when you’re on holiday.
- Better sleep quality - from not scrolling at night or in the morning
- Improved relationships - through better connections without the distraction of tech
- Feeling rested - by truly switching off
- Boost in mood - through being in nature and removing work stresses
- Reduced stress - by being disconnected from emails and social media
- Increased creativity - by giving your brain space to make new connections
- Enhanced experience - by being more present in the moment
Tips for a ‘tech-free’ or ‘less-tech’ holiday
It can be daunting to leave you phone in the room or going on airplane mode, so here’s our top tips to help you digital detox on your summer break.
- Set boundaries before you leave Inform work contacts and close friends that you’ll be unavailable, and set up an auto-reply for your emails. This helps manage expectations and reduces the fear of missing out.
- Schedule your Out Of Office properly Make it clear that you’ll be offline and give emergency contacts. Try our OOO templates here.
- Use a real camera Instead of using your phone for photos, bring a digital camera. This simple switch can keep you from the temptation of checking notifications.
- Schedule phone-free times If you don’t want to go offline entirely, dedicate certain times of the day to check your phone, if necessary, and keep it off or in airplane mode the rest of the time.
- Engage in Offline Activities Plan in activities that don’t require technology, such as hiking, swimming, or reading.
- Leave your phone in the room Try leaving your phone in the room to remove any temptation to check it. If you need any important information, write it down in a journal.
- Try a specific digital detox escape Consider booking a stay that promotes digital detoxing (like us), which create a specific environment where technology is discouraged.
Taking a holiday without your phone might seem daunting at first, but the benefits far outweigh the initial discomfort. By setting boundaries, engaging in offline activities, and embracing the present moment, you can ensure that your holiday is a time of true rest and relaxation.
