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Some people say that cell phones have become an extension of our minds and bodies, so could you ditch yours in the name of a proper vacation?
A hotel in the Catskills, New York, reported that 80 percent of guests accepted the challenge to hand over their phones and participate in a digital detox during their stay.
He Urban Cowboys Hostelwhich has an adult summer camp feel with rustic-chic cabin structures and copper bathtubs installed in the rooms, launched an Unplug and Play package earlier this year, and its owners were surprised by the uptake.
Lyon Porter, co-founder of Urban Cowboy, a 26-room hotel which also has a location in Tennessee and another opening in Colorado, told DailyMail.com: “The response to the Urban Cowboy Lodge’s digital detox package has been incredible!”
We hoped it would be a success, but we never imagined that so many visitors would be willing to leave their phones behind for an entire weekend.
The Urban Cowboy Lodge launched an Unplug and Play package earlier this year, and its owners were amazed by the acceptance.
To investigate the appeal of a phone-free vacation, I signed up for an Unplug and Play vacation at the Urban Cowboy Lodge and the moment I handed over my phone, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
No one would be able to contact me over the weekend, there would be no emails to check or social media content to scroll through and feed my anxieties.
At Urban Cowboy’s secluded Catskill location, there is no cell service on the 68-acre property, but rooms and the main building have WiFi.
All guests who hand over their phones are given a Polaroid instant camera and a few boxes of film, and I enjoyed this novel approach to documenting the weekend.
My partner decided to keep the phone, but if, like us, you’ve rented a car for the weekend, navigating can be tricky without a device if your vehicle isn’t GPS-equipped.
By the end of the weekend, I was dreading the thought of picking up the phone again and joked with the receptionist that she could keep it.
Psychologist from New York Ana Yusim She has since told DailyMail.com that doing regular digital detoxes is very important for mental health.
She explained: ‘Taking a break from our phones while on holiday can offer a host of psychological benefits.
At Urban Cowboy’s Catskill location, there is no cell service on the 68-acre property, but rooms and the main building do have WiFi.
‘Research suggests that disconnecting from constant digital stimulation can reduce stress, improve concentration and enhance overall well-being.
‘To actively reduce phone use, people can start by establishing designated phone-free periods, engaging in activities that do not involve screens, practicing mindfulness to stay present in the moment, establishing technology-free zones in their living spaces, and gradually decreasing screen time to create healthier boundaries with technology.
‘By prioritizing real-life experiences over digital distractions, people can cultivate a deeper sense of connection, relaxation and fulfillment during their free time.’
Here, Anna reveals how phones can get in the way of free time.
1. There is no adequate relaxation
Constant phone use on vacation can disrupt the relaxation process, says Anna, “by keeping our minds occupied with work emails, news updates and social media notifications.”
Referring to the negative consequences of this, he adds: “This constant connectivity prevents our brains from fully relaxing and experiencing the rejuvenating effects of true rest.”
2. Less romance
If you’re looking for a little romance on your vacation, Anna recommends putting your phone away for certain periods of time.
She explains: ‘Excessive phone use during the holidays can hinder our ability to connect with loved ones.
‘Instead of being present and engaging in meaningful interactions, we may find ourselves distracted by our devices, leading to feelings of disconnection and missed opportunities to bond.’
New York psychologist Anna Yusim told DailyMail.com that doing regular digital detoxes is very important for mental health (file image)
3. Sleep disturbance
To get a better night’s rest, Anna advises leaving your phone in another room at night.
She says: ‘The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our natural sleep cycles, making it harder to relax and fall asleep.
‘Using the phone before bed during the holidays can disrupt the quality of our rest, making us feel tired and less rejuvenated the next day.’
4. Reduced mindfulness
“Constant phone use can take away from our ability to be present and attentive during the holidays,” warns Anna.
The psychologist, who is an avid traveller, adds: “By constantly checking messages and notifications, we divert our attention from the beauty of our surroundings and the experiences unfolding in the moment.”
5. Impact on mental health
Our devices can have a huge impact on our mood, says Anna, and scientific studies demonstrate the negative results.
She reveals: ‘Research has shown that excessive phone use, especially during the holidays, is linked to increased stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation.
‘By constantly using our devices, we can miss out on opportunities for true relaxation and mental well-being.’
Rooms at Urban Cowboy Catskills start at $230 per nightwith facilities including a restaurant, cinema room and sauna.