If your in need of some headspace, here are 7 ways to help you break up with your phone on your next vacation, weekend getaway or day trip!
What do you do when you want to unplug on vacation? It’s a question with no single answer, but certainly at the top of many people’s list would be taking a break from digital devices.
Surely, I can’t be the only one who finds the whole tech thing a bit, well…overwhelming at times.
Phones are awesome, they allow us to do so many things that make life more convenient. Yet, it takes some commitment to set boundaries. And some days, quite a bit of energy.
Case in point…
Did you know that Americans check their phones about 344 times per day?
Half of us check our phones in the middle of the night (a statistic I can hardly believe)! And 47% consider themselves “addicted” to their phones.
Yikes!
Since we’re all about aligning wellness and travel, it seemed time to connect and gain some insight on this topic. After all, I know I’m not the only one trying to stay sane by taking a step back from digital devices…especially, when traveling.
But…that’s easier said than done, right?
We’ve become reliant on our phone’s tools (like maps), the easy communication (like texts), and, well, just about everything else. Things like bill paying, dinner delivery and even travel planning!
But don’t lose hope, not all is lost.
There are some simple ways that you can overcome these challenges, productively use your phone and still enjoy your adventures. Yep, pinky swear!
7 Simple Ways to Put Down The Phone on Vacation
You deserve travel adventures that bring you joy, fulfillment and meaning. To help you focus on those engaging travel goals, here are seven ways to effectively break up with your phone on your next vacation!
Take these ideas with you on your next day trip, weekend getaway or vacation so you have more time for authentic adventures, relaxation and fun!
Before You Go, Reflect on Your Use
For a few days, just pay attention to your relationship with your phone. It will help you gain clarity on how your phone makes you feel.
Consider:
- What emotions do you have before using your phone?
- How do you feel after using your phone?
- Are there particular apps you use most often?
Next, give some thought to what your answers might tell you about why you are using your phone.
Then ask yourself, is this really the way you want to use this time? Is it really making you happy? Or are you like some people, addicted to a rectangular object that is making you miserable?
Food for thought, for sure.
Set Your Intention
Any kind of behavior change starts with acknowledging what you want to do. Once you’ve got that down, share it with your travel companions.
Nothing will get you off track faster than your friends & family doing what you’re trying not to do. Right?
Sharing your intent makes you accountable to others and maybe, just maybe…they’ll join you.
Honestly, setting intentions is a self-care practice I’ve used for years, yet have only recently started sharing it with others. Having reminders and times to check-in, is a good way to bond and genuinely helpful in staying the course.
Give Yourself Permission to Unplug
As you go about planning your destination and all of the activities you want to do, don’t forget to plan some device free downtime.
As much as we’d like to be productive and “on” 24/7, we all need space to rest our brains.
Daily life requires your brain give a lot of attention to devices, making it truly necessary to take breaks. Can you think of a better time to do that then when you’re on vacation? I sure can’t!
Spending time without devices can help us to unwind and find a respite from the feelings of anxiety that can appear in response to our hyper stimulated lives. Making it time well spent!
Set Your Lock Screen
We only have so much willpower, so set yourself up for success by setting your lock screen as a reminder to stop mindlessly checking your phone.
If ignoring your uncomfortable cravings is harder than you thought, then try setting your lock screen with a reminder image, maybe something that brings you joy instead!
If happiness is what you seek, you won’t find it in your phone. Travel and look for it in real life instead!
Set Limits
Here are two ideas for giving yourself some limits on vacation: make phone-free zones and phone-free times.
Some ideas for travel would include:
- use phones at the hotel only
- make the outdoors a phone free space
- explore museums phone-free
- eat meals without devices
Insert Things You Love to Do
It’s vacation, why not find more things you like to do.
Remember, the time you spend playing on your phone is time you aren’t spending doing other things that make your life more interesting and meaningful.
Before you head out on your vacation, brainstorm fun and meaningful activities you’d like to do. You know….like hiking, mindful photography, museum hopping or whatever brings you happiness.
That way you can nourish your mind & body and fill your bucket with what lights you up…instead of your phone!
Check in with Yourself Often
Here’s the most important point when you want to break up with your phone on vacation:
Check in with yourself…often!
Schedule a reminder to check in every day. Ask yourself the following:
- Are you limiting the amount of time on your phone?
- Did your phone distract you from your adventures today?
- Do you need to make any adjustments for tomorrow? If so, then make them.
This practice allows you to see where you are and make adjustments when needed. And it’s a normal part of implementing any kind of change in our lives.
There is no one way to break up with your phone on vacation. But, there are the ways that will work best for you. So, start planning your next nearly tech-free vacation right now.
Here’s to joyful vacations where your beautiful experiences crowd out your digital devices, so you can find more fun, meaning & well-being!
until the next time…
…live well, travel well, be well
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