Taking a Tech Break: How to Unplug on Vacation

Technology is wonderful. It helps you stay connected to loved ones from afar, watch new movies and shows from the comfort of your home, sell products and services to people across the world and much more. Nowadays, it seems like there isn’t much you can’t do on your phone or tablet. However, there is a time and a place to put your phone (and other gadgets) away, and vacation is the perfect time to do it. While it might be tempting to scroll through your social media pages or check a few work emails while soaking up the sun on the beach, here are three reasons why you should unplug on your next vacation instead. Keep reading for specifics on how to unplug when you’re away…

1. You’ll Be Less Tempted to Work

Many working Americans spend over 40 hours per week at the office and rarely take time off. In 2018, 768 million vacation days went unused in the United States. While having a strong work ethic is good, it’s also essential to take a break. 

Vacation should be a time of rest and a much-needed break from the stress of your job and everyday responsibilities. However, it’s hard to fully relax when email notifications from work ping on your phone throughout the day. While you might want to check in and make sure everything is running ok without you, you’ll feel much more relaxed when you unplug from work altogether. So, on your next vacation, set your automatic “Out of Office” email reply and leave the laptop at home. 

2. You’ll Be More Present in the Moment 

Whether you go on vacation alone or with your family or friends, the less time you spend using technology, the richer your experience will be. While some aspects of technology keep you close to the ones you love, it also creates distance when it distracts you from investing in the people around you. Even if you vacation alone, unplugging from technology will help you take in your surroundings and capitalize on your experiences. 

3. You’ll Actually Be Able to Relax 

There always seems to be something new and controversial happening nowadays. From politics to the COVID vaccine to whether or not you should wear a mask, conversations around these topics aren’t just happening face to face but online as well. Plus, with new outlets accessible on all devices, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with so much information and many things out of your control. There are reasons to stay informed. However, there are also times to unplug from the stress of what’s happening in the world. Let your next vacation be that time. 

How to Unplug on Your Next Vacation

Depending on your situation, it may not be realistic to unplug from all technology throughout your vacation entirely. However, you can set boundaries to experience the many benefits of taking a tech break. 

For example, rather than checking your phone multiple times throughout the day, give yourself a set amount of time in the morning and evening to check up on things and set your phone aside the rest of the day. If you want to use your phone to take pictures, turn it on airplane mode or “Do Not Disturb” so you aren’t distracted by notifications. 

At night, instead of watching a TV show to relax, journal about your day. This is a great way to reflect on your time away and document your thoughts and experiences. Or, finally read that book that’s been collecting dust on your shelf for too long (you know the one). 

Work can wait. Your social pages will be there when you get back. You can catch up on your favorite Netflix shows the following week. Take time to enjoy your time away and unplug on your next vacation.

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like How to Genuinely Connect In This Social Distanced Digital World. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.