isolate yourself from everything
Where are you reading this article? One of three: on a computer, on a smartphone or on a tablet. Okay, we don't give you much choice (this is a website, after all), but think of everything you do online these days: shopping. Read the news. Talk to your cousin who lives in Germany. Book flights, hotels and tickets to museums. Immortalize your trip and share it with the world (and if it is with a well-placed Valencia filter, even better).
Modern life not only encourages us to be permanently connected; requires it of us . If you want an authentic real-life vacation, a total break from the routine, go one step further than crossing the Equator: cross the border to a completely offline experience, without screens in between.
The digital detox They are becoming popular, and for good reason: they help us to be more present in the moment, to enjoy the experience without being interrupted by the ding-ding of a new message. Take advantage of your next trip to get rid of the impulse to open Twitter, the “likes” and the “do it for the Insta” mentality.
Do you break out in a cold sweat just thinking about it? That is a sign that you urgently need it. Dare to leave your mobile at home (by the way) .
Wrap the blanket around your head and leave your cell phone at home!
1. NOTIFY EVERYONE THAT YOU ARE GOING OFFLINE
On the subject of digital obsession, remember that it is not just your thing. Nowadays we are all very used to finding out everything that happens to the second and receiving instant responses to all messages... and yes, this includes your parents and other relatives.
If you go on a digital detox, make sure that everyone around you is aware that you will be unreachable through the usual channels: neither WhatsApp, nor text messages, nor Facebook Messenger. As much, give them the phone number of the hotel where you will stay, in case they want to call you at some point. And do not forget to get in touch regularly, so that at home they are calm.
two. RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO TAKE ANYTHING
No matter how convinced you are in the disconnection project, there will come a time when you doubt whether take something "just in case". Resist it, and don't kid yourself that you'll leave it off at the hotel (you won't).
The only exception to this rule is if you're in a situation where you need to communicate quickly (like waiting for a response from a potential job, or about to welcome a nephew) . In these cases, you can take a classic phone without internet connection (type your Nokia brick from 2002) . And nothing more.
Would you be able to be in this landscape without sharing it with anyone?
3. PREPARE YOURSELF PSYCHOLOGICALLY
The famous FOMO (“fear of missing out”, or fear of missing something) is very powerful. Be aware that you will not see Facebook, or Instagram, or Snapchat during your vacation. Practice a few days before to go out to get used to the body (and the mind). Dream about what you are going to do with all that free time, that you will have a lot. Which brings us to…
Four. RECOVER ANALOG SKILLS
How long have you not written a cardboard postcard , by hand? Or do you read a paper book? Or do you watch the movie they put on TV, with commercials and everything?
Take the opportunity to return to the real world. Write a diary in a lined notebook, like at school. Revisit your talent for drawing. relearn to read a map . Dust off your old SLR camera and take it to a photo shoot (extra points if it's a traditional film).
5. LEARN TO SHUT UP YOUR CONSCIENCE
As much as you have prepared (see point three), it will happen to you. It is unavoidable. On day two (or minute two) of the detox, your mind will go into alert, warning you that something is not right, that You have missed something important.
That “important thing” is your _smartphone; The monkey is very powerful. Ignore that voice. Remember that you left it on purpose. Be strong.
Do you remember how a postcard was sent...?
6. PRO MODE: DO NOT WATCH THE NEWS
Opening a newspaper or watching the news these days is enough to provoke a heart attack to the healthiest heart on the planet. Make an effort to disconnect completely. If something really important happens while you're away, you're going to find out.
7. COME BACK TO REAL LIFE LITTLE BY LITTLE
Just like with time zones, reintroduce yourself to your normal life little by little when you return home. Try to extend the period of disconnection a few days (or weeks), and try to limit the use as much as possible.
Do not jump on the plank on top of the laptop as soon as you walk through the door, you will not get a shock (literally).