You can’t deny that spending too much time looking at our screens has a profound impact on our mental health. But how harmful are our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions, and what can we do to reduce our reliance on technology in 2018?

Have you heard of a digital detox holiday? A digital detox is essentially a period where you cut yourself off from technology — no texting, emailing, or social media use — to lower stress levels, take up ‘real world’ activities and concentrate on quality, physical socialization. 

Gas bottle provider Flogas LPG takes a closer look…

Is too much screen time unhealthy?

There’s so much technology in our lives that it’s often hard to ignore. Around four billion people use the internet globally, according to 2018 Global Digital reports, while other studies have reported that as many as 83% of UK adults are active on social media. But, how is this affecting our emotional and mental health, and is a digital detox necessary?

According to some research, too much screen time can harm socialization and reduce people’s sense of the real world. In other experiments, researchers in the US found that only an hour of screen time a day caused an increase in unhappiness levels in adolescents. At the same time, a study by the National Institute of Mental Health noted a significant link between social media use and depression. Another discovered a connection between constant phone-checking and high-stress levels. What’s more, screen overuse can send our brains’ electrical activity into overdrive and hinder the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, causing sleep deprivation and a less rested mind for the following day, according to scientists at Harvard Medical School.

Are you prepared to have a tech-free holiday?

It’s about time you disconnected yourself from the online world, but this can often be difficult. However, the rising trend in tech-free tourism has made this more straightforward than ever, with various beautiful locations across the UK to help inspire us to concentrate on ourselves and nature rather than phones and laptops.  

How do you decide on a destination? Firstly, choose how you want to keep your attention active to don’t start craving your Facebook feed. Have you ever fancied taking up yoga or enjoying daily massages? Go to a country health spa. Think long hikes with your partner would help? Book bed and breakfast in the Lake District. Don’t get the chance of fresh sea air? Head to England’s southeast coast.

Some places specialize in them if you’re not sure how to book a digital detoxed holiday. Being out of your comfort zone means you’re less likely to fall into old habits, such as Instagramming a photo of your favorite spot. However, the best way to ensure you can remain completely free of the temptation of technology is to go to an off-grid establishment. Many hotels in the UK are off-grid, using an LPG supplier instead of a mains grid connection to provide energy to their customers and help them detach from busy city life. By opting for accommodation in places like these, you help reduce the risk of reaching a breaking point where you can’t be without your favorite TV show or beloved Facebook feed anymore, as you’re typically surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of hotel-run activities to enjoy.  

Has this type of vacation taken an interest you? Here are a few of the top, completely off-grid sites around the UK that you can book to cleanse your mind of digital influences:

·             The Scottish Highlands: find a cottage and enjoy fishing trips and long walks.

·             Brecon Beacons National Park: many glamping sites embrace mindfulness and nature.

·             Lundy Island: on the southwest coast, you’re surrounded by water to feel genuinely disconnected.

·             Saddell: a small Scottish village with secluded cottages and lodges to rent.

·             Northumberland National Park: You can rent a tipi or yurt in tranquil woodlands.

·             Herm Island: The White House Hotel encourages yoga and star-gazing — it’s also free of TVs!

A happy and healthy holiday

A report released by The Guardian found that we check our smartphones 39 times a day. With reports claiming that the average adult spends nearly six hours a day engaging in digital media, it’s not surprising that cutting yourself off completely is difficult. So, how do you make it easier?  

Are you prepared? If you know you’ll be tempted, don’t pack your phone, tablet, and laptop. Or keep a phone locked away in the car for emergencies only. Before you choose your detox destination, look online to see what you can do to fill in your time and note these so you don’t forget. Typically, you can do any of the following activities on a digital detox getaway:

·             Reading.

·             Cycling.

·             Hiking.

·             Yoga.

·             Fishing.

·             Sailing.

·             Arts and crafts.

·             Wine tasting.

·             Picnicking.

·             Photography.

Apart from lowering your stress levels, enhancing mental positivity, and improving your social interactions, digital detox holidays are available all over the UK — no need for expensive trips abroad to relax. Browse online today for your next tech-free break.