By Hector Hughes, a wellness expert and co-founder of Unplugged – the UK’s first digital detox escape in nature.
In a world where our phones are used for literally – everything – the idea of unplugging from digital devices is daunting. “How will I pay for things? What if I need directions? Will I miss an important email?” But a digital detox can have transformative benefits for mental health, productivity, and overall wellbeing. As someone who experienced digital burnout first-hand, I’ve learned that stepping away from screens – even for a short period – can lead to profound improvements in the quality of life.
1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
One of the most significant benefits of a digital detox is the reduction of stress and anxiety. Constant notifications, emails, and social media updates keep the brain in a state of heightened alertness, making it difficult to relax. When individuals take a break from screens, they often experience a noticeable drop in stress levels, as the brain is no longer bombarded with digital stimuli. This allows for a more restful and present state of mind.
2. Improving Sleep Quality
Screens in the bedroom is a big no-no for me. When we’re in bed, we should be powering down and scrolling social media or checking emails at night can significantly impact our sleep quality. Late night scrolling eats into our sleep time, as we are stimulated by content which keeps us awake for longer than we would normally. Blue light from screens has also been shown to interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle by suppressing melatonin production, so a digital detox can significantly improve sleep quality.
One of the biggest inhibitors of sleep is stress, which is what our digital detoxes aim to reduce. When you’re disconnected from technology, your brain has a break from constant emails, social media and to-do lists – which all contribute to stress. Paired with being surrounded by nature, your cortisol levels reduce dramatically. Just 20 minutes in nature has been proven to reduce cortisol levels by 21%, so you can imagine what three days of this does.
A great way to improve this is to stop the late-night scroll, and being at one of our cabins removes temptation. Without blue light and easy-access entertainment, your body adjusts its rhythm and allows you to sleep better, and for the case of a lot of our guests – longer. We also recently partnered with Calm, to offer a small library of their incredible Sleep Stories on cassette tapes. These are science-backed in helping people get off to sleep easier, and have been an amazing addition to our cabins.
3. Boosting Productivity and Creativity
Digital distractions are one of the biggest barriers to productivity. On average we check our phones 144 times a day, so whether it’s endless emails, social media scrolling, or news updates, digital devices can make it difficult to focus on deep work.
Stepping away from the screen also helps spark creativity and original thought, which can be stumped when we’re constantly stimulated and have access to instant information or AI. Most ideas come to you when you’re in idle moments, like on a walk or in the shower, because your brain is in default mode. This means it makes new pathways between existing information for those eureka moments. Without the constant pull of notifications, you can engage more fully in tasks, think more clearly, and generate fresh ideas.
4. Strengthening Relationships
One of the most profound changes people experience during a digital detox is the improvement in personal relationships. Technology often acts as a barrier to meaningful human connection. By switching your phones off, people become more present in their interactions, leading to deeper conversations and stronger bonds with loved ones and even strangers.
5. Encouraging Mindfulness and Presence
When we’re constantly looking at the lives of others on social media, we can be victims of comparison culture and FOMO, missing out on the moments we have in life that are in front of us. Without the distractions of screens, you are more likely to engage in mindful activities such as walking, reading, or simply enjoying nature. This heightened awareness can lead to greater appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, reducing feelings of overwhelm and increasing overall happiness.
6. Resetting Digital Habits
Finally, a digital detox as an opportunity to reset unhealthy digital habits. Many don’t realise how dependent they are on their devices until they take a break. So many guests realise that nothing is that urgent and the world doesn’t end if you’re offline for a few days. A detox provides the space to reassess technology use and develop a healthier, more intentional relationship with screens.
So, whether it’s a 72 hour digital detox weekend getaway or simply switching off devices for a few hours each day, taking time to unplug can lead to lasting benefits in both your personal and professional life.
About the expert
Hector Hughes, is a wellness expert and co-founder of Unplugged, the UK’s first digital detox escape in nature. After experiencing burnout himself, racking up 12+ hrs a day behind a screen, he traveled to the Himalayas for a two-week silent retreat, where he spent his time meditating, doing daily chores, and reflecting on life. The experience left him feeling completely recharged, and upon returning, he made the bold decision to quit his job. His co-founder Ben Elliot had a similar experience and the pair thought – How can we get busy city workers to unplug from their devices and recharge without flying halfway around the globe? This question therefore led to the creation of Unplugged, a collection of beautifully crafted, off-grid cabins, designed to help the always-connected take a much-needed break from screens and reset in nature. Located just an hour or two from major cities, these cabins offer an easy and accessible escape from the digital world.
