The internet keeps us constantly connected to family, friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, many people (me included) find it hard to truly unplug.
The other day, I literally shouted at my work phone, “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Whether you check work email on vacation or catch up on DMs in the bathroom, it can feel impossible to disconnect.
Why is it so hard to unplug?
Some people feel anxious about leaving messages unanswered. Others fear letting their inbox get out of control. For some people, feeling busy and in demand is part of their self-worth.
Even if you aren’t video conferencing from the balcony while your family waves despondently from the hotel pool, the inability to disconnect is bad for your wellbeing. Heaps of scientific data show a direct correlation between excessive screen time and poor mental and physical health.
On the flip side, taking a break from screens is highly beneficial. And scientific studies prove it:
- After reducing social media by just 10 minutes per day, 95% of participants felt less depressed.
- A one-week break from social media helped participants sleep better, minimize anxiety and reduced depression symptoms by almost 25%.
- After a two-week break from their smartphone 91% of people felt better than they did before.
Digital Detox Getaways
An increasing number of resorts offer digital detox programs. You can choose a destination that is completely offline or a property that will take your connected devices away upon check-in. At a resort in Riviera Maya, you have to “earn” your devices back by taking part in a certain number of activities per day, such as snorkeling or doing an eco tour.
Screens also prevent us from being in the moment. Scrolling, liking and creating content takes precious time away from experiencing the place you spent time and money to visit.
Liveaboards and Remote Diving Destinations
As a scuba diver, you have thousands of ways to escape work emails and doomscrolling. You can book a liveaboard or visit a remote diving destination. All you have to do is relax (and dive) while your boss/coworkers/relatives solve their own problems for once.
Personally, I’m a big fan of liveaboards — for a lot of reasons. Mosquitos love me (but they can’t get me on the boat). Also, you don’t have to plan meals or research restaurants. Everything is included. Lastly, you get to visit the best dive sites.
Some liveaboards offer Starlink WiFi, but no one has to know. I told my colleagues and family I was diving in a remote part of Indonesia and would be completely offline for 12 days. No one questioned it.
Admittedly, I was writing copy, replying to messages and scheduling reminder emails until the crew picked us up from the airport. But once we were on the boat, my blood pressure dropped about 15 points knowing I was….free.
A liveaboard is the perfect way to de-stress. The only things on your to-do list will be: eat, sleep and dive. Even the dives are optional.
Liveaboards often schedule three to four dives per day, but no one will care if you decide to sleep in or have an afternoon cocktail and skip the night dive.
In between eating, sleeping and diving you can:
- Catch up on sleep
- Read
- Journal
- Lounge on the sundeck
- Edit photos and videos
- Talk story with the crew
- Meet new dive buddies
…or just listen to the ocean and soak up some beautiful scenery.
On my liveaboard in Indonesia, I met some amazing people, including a couple who volunteered with Sea Shepherd Brasil and an astrophysicist who did a presentation on the lifecycle of galaxies one afternoon (even though he was on vacation).
Do You Need a Digital Detox?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, some time away from the internet may help.
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Apathy
- Sleep problems
Prescribe Yourself a Dive Trip
Benefits include:
- Improved focus
- Lower anxiety
- Increased happiness
Ask your local PADI Dive Shop about booking a dive trip to a remote destination or browse PADI Travel® for liveaboard trips around the world.
