Are you tethered to your device, even as you long to set sail on the seas of relaxation? Do you find your mind still docked in the port of work-related worries, even when your body reaches its holiday destination? Perhaps it’s time to cut loose and truly embark on your journey to unwind.
“Business owners, professionals, and parents—especially mothers—often struggle the most to disconnect. The guilt can be overwhelming: you feel guilty when you're at work, worrying about your children and the daily demands at home; you feel guilty when you're not at work, preoccupied with unfinished tasks. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group, says he can relate to this constant pull between professional responsibilities and personal life. “But here’s the truth,” he adds, “when you don’t disconnect, you’re not just depriving yourself of relaxation, you’re missing out on joy, growth, and the chance to make magical, lasting memories with your friends and family. Your mental health, relationships, and even your professional performance can (and often does) suffer.”
Lamont offers the following tips for disconnecting and staying present during your vacation:
1. Prepare for a Digital Detox: Start reducing screen time a few weeks before your trip and set clear boundaries with work. Let your colleagues and clients know about your upcoming absence and set up out-of-office messages.
2. Designate Tech-Free Zones: Choose specific areas or times during your holiday to be device-free. At First Group’s hotels and resorts, you can safely lock your devices in the room safe while you enjoy the beach, pool, or spa.
3. Go Analog: Bring a paperback book to read, and a journal or perhaps a sketchpad to document your holiday experiences. For a nostalgic touch, use a good old-fashioned camera (remember those?) to take photos.
4. Immerse Yourself in Your Destination: Engage deeply with local sights and nature, keeping yourself too engrossed to want to check your phone.
5. Partner for Accountability: Team up with family or friends, asking them to help keep you accountable. Challenge one another to see who can go the longest without checking their device.
“Over the years, we’ve witnessed countless guests enjoy their holiday experience without their devices,” Lamont notes. “From couples rekindling their romance to families bonding over adventure activities, the joy of being present is palpable. It’s not just about taking a break from technology; it’s about reconnecting with what truly matters.”He emphasises that the benefits of a digital detox extend far beyond the vacation itself. “When you return to your daily routine, you’ll find yourself better equipped to manage stress, more focused on tasks, and more present in your relationships. Disconnecting isn’t about abandoning technology altogether; it’s about finding a healthy balance that allows you to enjoy life to the fullest.”
So, as you prepare for your next holiday, remember to prioritise digital disconnection.
"Your mind, body, and soul, and your family will thank you for it," Lamont concludes. "After all, life’s most beautiful moments often happen when we’re fully engaged in the present."
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