Switching Off to Connect Back In
While holidays are toted as a time to relax, visit family and friends and disconnect from the everyday, the reality of true downtime for many Kiwis is fast becoming a distant memory, as our device usage permanently parties. Why not schedule in a digital detox these holidays?
So, why can’t many of us shake the feeling that we still need to work, or check our emails, or post to our Instagram – despite our long-awaited summer break? We all know that too much tech time is bad for our mental and physical wellbeing, our social relations and our children’s cognitive development – yet still we find ourselves pressing buttons. Well, according to findings from a recent LinkedIn survey, 56% of us are worried about falling behind – resulting in 70% of us still tied to technology when vacationing.
The grip of FOMO
FOMO – or Fear of Missing Out – has its part to play in staying plugged in. According to Wikipedia, the popularised term is characterised by a desire to, “stay continually connected with what others are doing.” And when we do have to drag ourselves away from Facebook for five minutes? Well, that can result in anxiety, compulsive concern and even depression.
So how do we break up with FOMO and be present on holiday? We adopt JOMO, get tough on our screen usage and embrace the outside world with both hands.
What is JOMO?
JOMO – or Joy of Missing Out – is the emotionally intellectual antidote to FOMO. It’s all about living in the moment, enjoying what you’re doing here and now and not worrying about what’s happening at work or on social media.
It’s about being ever-present, says Kristen Fuller of Psychology Today. “When you free up that competitive and anxious space in your brain, you have so much more time, energy and emotion to conquer your true priorities.”
So, how do we ditch our devices?
We start by giving ourselves a little wakeup call. By simply downloading an app, such as QualityTime for android or Moment for iOS, you can track just how many hours a day you are ‘actually’ spending looking at your phone or tablet – not what you ‘think’ you are.
Next, get tough on social media and emails by turning off notifications and even deleting Facebook before hitting the holiday road. If you want to take it a step further, try joining the experiment www.99daysoffreedom.com.
This involves quitting Facebook for 99 days, with check-ins to see how you are doing after 33, 66 and 99 days.
Now what? Try holiday snoozing without your phone beside the bed – keep it in the kitchen. Not only will a lack of alarm help you tune into your biological clock – read more about this on page 23, but it removes the urge to check apps the minute you roll over.
On that note, why not remove all news websites and sources from your phone this summer. Not only will it give your eyes a break, but it’ll remove the pressure to constantly ‘stay informed’ – which can ultimately produce stress and anxiety.
So what do you do with all this tech-free time?
You channel the three ‘W’s: Wander, Water, Wordplay
Wander – Strolling in nature is not only good for boosting vitamin D levels, it also boosts our memory power – great for that game of Cluedo after Christmas dinner! A recent memory test study The University of Michigan conducted, saw half of the participants walk outside through the trees post-test, they then sat the test again – those that went walking remembered 20% more than the first time.
Walking in Taupō? We are blessed with some stunning scenic tracks: The Great Lake Walkway, Craters of the Moon, Waipahihi Botanical Reserve, just to name a few.
Water – Whether you’re swimming, fishing, surfing or just sitting back and admiring, being on or by the water benefits mind, body and soul. A combined study between Canterbury University, Otago University and Michigan State University, revealed an evolutional connection between humans and nature: “The human brain processes natural environments more efficiently than built-up environments, thereby further increasing opportunity for relaxation and combating the onset of stress.”
Taupō water fun? We have a plethora of offerings, from sailing, to trout fishing, to paddle boarding and kayaking, to simple pleasures like skimming stones and feeding ducks!
Wordplay – Why not exchange tablet for table top game and invest some time in Kiwi favourites such as Monopoly, Cluedo and Scrabble. Not only will they get you thinking and communicating out loud, they’re also a sensible long-term investment. Unlike the likes of computer games or mobile phone in-app or in-game purchases which are no longer ‘pay once’ situations.