Did you know that most Americans spend four hours watching TV and about seven-and-a-half hours on digital devices? This fact from Cleveland Clinic shows that we are almost chained to our devices and technology. Now many places across the country are embracing what’s known as a digital detox or when “a person or individual stays disconnected from devices or social media for a defined duration,” reports a 2024 journal article in the Cureus Journal.
Social media has been shown to have particularly negative effects on people’s moods and relationships, including “being angry or upset over posted content, cyberbullying, fear of missing out (FOMO), isolation, and social comparisons,” said Cleveland Clinic.
Many people couldn’t imagine a day without their devices or technology, but research has shown that it can contribute to positive effects on health and well-being, said the journal’s authors. “A digital detox…can provide relief from the pressure of constant connection to electronic devices… A digital detox may even help improve your sleep, relationships and mood,” said Cleveland Clinic.
How do you know if you need a digital detox?
VeryWell Mind says you may need one if your digital media or technology is creating undue stress or if you feel like you must be connected to your device for an excessive amount of time, especially if it interferes with your relationships, sleep or mental health.
Many celebrities have gone through digital detox programs, including Oprah Winfrey, Rebel Wilson and Nicole Kidman have visited digital detox retreats in Mexico, California, Arizona and Joshua Tree California.
But you don’t have to visit a star-studded location to access a digital detox. Locations can be found across the country, including Florida. DigitalDetox.com hosts events around the country chock-full of immersive experiences but free of technology. This includes a digital-free summer camp for adults, mystery trips lasting from 1-3 nights, or even unplugged nights where people are encouraged to interact with friends and meet new ones, without technological interference. Visit their website for more details.
SHOULD YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE FAR-AWAY LOCATIONS, TWO POPULAR SPOTS INCLUDE:
L’Auberge de Sedona – On the pricier side, this location in Sedona, Arizona, is a digital-free property offering activities like hiking, horseback riding, spiritual retreats, stargazing, yoga, sound healing, shopping and trips to the Grand Canyon.
Lake Placid Lodge – Located five hours from New York City, this lodge’s website describes it as an “outdoor- lover’s dream. With access to some of the country’s finest hiking, boating, skiing and fishing, [the lodge] offers a place of refuge after a long day spent exploring the rugged wilderness of the Adirondacks.”
SOME LOCATIONS CLOSER TO HOME INCLUDE:
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo – River Ranch is on the west bank of the Kissimmee River, and the Westgate River Ranch is described as “Florida’s Ultimate Digital Detox Retreat,” on their website. With luxury glamping accommodations, activities include private hayrides, line dancing, cattle drives, airboat rides, archery and even a weekly rodeo.
Sunset Key Cottages – Located close to Key West on a 27- acre private island, this resort has numerous water activities like fishing, boating and parasailing as well as a luxury spa, fitness classes, healing retreats, beach and pool activities.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort – This location specializes in personal wellness and features “an integrative approach to a healthy and enriching lifestyle,” according to its website. It features personalized fitness programs, a spa with services like cupping, hydrotherapy and infrared saunas.
If a formal digital detox experience isn’t convenient to your schedule or budget, you can create one of your own. Cleveland Clinic suggests the following steps to tailor your own digital detox:
IF YOU’RE READY TO BEGIN A DIGITAL DETOX, FOLLOW THESE STEPS, SAYS PREWITT:
1: Decide on a behavior to change – what behaviors are you looking to change? Figure out which activities you want to reduce or eliminate. Is it all or nothing or do you want to eliminate one troubling aspect?
2: Create goals – “Set a goal for yourself based on whether you’d like to reduce or eliminate the use of a certain device or type of media. Make it specific. Will it be all day or only at certain times?”
3: Make a time commitment – “It takes time to break strong digital habits.” Experts suggest at least two weeks to truly break from the bad habit.
4: Gather support – “It’s nice to have a [supportive] partner, family member or close friend to encourage you and provide accountability.
5: Assess your progress – “A few days after starting your digital detox, check in with yourself on how it’s going.”
6: Consider long-term changes – “Notice the benefits and barriers you experienced during the digital detox. Was it easier than you thought or tough to do? Then decide if you’d like to keep any aspect of the change moving forward.”
“Doing a digital detox is about taking charge of how you spend your time and energy and what you give your attention to. It helps you realize what you want more and less of so you can break unhelpful habits and create new, more meaningful ones,” said Cleveland Clinic.