Detoxify digitally

You might be on a vacation to the palm-fringed tropical islands of the Maldives surrounded by aquamarine waters. But alongside sipping a cocktail, you’re busy leveraging the island’s Wi-Fi connection and checking WhatsApp messages, uploading photos on Facebook and Instagram. 

In this hyper-connected world, it is indeed a disgrace to be away from the internet and social media, especially when you wish to provide live updates from your fancy holiday. But scrutinise your environs and you will notice that not all millennials like you want to remain "connected’’. There is a perceptible rise in the millennial scouting for "digital detox’’ breaks that are replete with no Wi-Fi, no laptops and smartphones and no social media. 

A recent study by Intel Security conducted to understand the digital behaviours of American millennials shows that 49% are more than willing to leave their gadgets behind while on vacation. While a study by Digital Awareness UK amongst students revealed that 63% wouldn’t care if social media did not exist.

Digital detox in the era of a digital economy is on the upswing with millennial consumers following in the footsteps of celebs like Justin Bieber, Kanye West and Lindsay Lohan who has famously undergone digital detox programmes.

Experts say stress levels are directly proportional to the time spent being connected, as can be gauged by the American Psychological Association’s survey that shows stress runs higher for constant technology and social media checkers. 

The concept of keeping electronic devices away is becoming a necessity, and millennials are gradually embracing the idea of a digital detox, says Nikhil Kapur, founder and MD, Atmantan Wellness Centre, Mulshi. “Even on holidays, people are constantly enveloped by emails, social media and phone calls, thus restricting themselves from rejuvenating themselves thoroughly. It has, therefore, become essential to quit gadgets every once in a while to get some relaxation and ‘’me time’’, says Kapur.

And catering to this new bunch of millennials are a clutch of properties that now offer digital detox programmes.

Wellness specialist Jitendra Pokhriyal from The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, says with the intention of digital detox, programmes have been designed holistically towards achieving utmost relaxation in a nurturing atmosphere. “We have a Tibetan Sound Meditation programme wherein sound healing is leveraged towards detox by helping rid the mind of all the attachments and emotional blockages. Programmes such as pranayama improve the lymphatic and peripheral nervous system, which help to calm down the mind and improve the flow of positive energy in the body.”

According to Kapur, alongside traditional methods of pranic healing and pranayama breathing, newer techniques of spinning, laughter therapy, foot reflexology get clubbed to offer physical and emotional health benefits. ‘’For a clutter-free and detoxified mind, hot stone massage, Taoist Chi Nei Tsang therapy, cupping, moxibustion, etc. help individuals strike the right balance in life. Such programmes enhance focus and concentration, de-stress the mind; besides providing a host of physical benefits,” says Kapur.

According to Pokhriyal, digital detox programmes can be successfully implemented even in fully automated and connected properties as there are many curated sessions that help guests to stay motivated and maintain a digital distance during their holiday. 

Properties such as Barefoot Resorts in the Andamans claim to provide no room for Wi-Fi, intercoms and television to help travellers disconnect from the digital world.

And to enthral the ‘’dis-connected’’ guests, there are activities such as nature walks, kayaking, snorkelling, treks, etc. “There are quite a few individuals who respond positively to the digital detoxification concept,” says Anand Menon, senior general manager at The Serai and Barefoot Resorts, adding that it can be a challenge when people wish to share real-time updates of their experiences on social media. “Since the activities offered are adventurous and require complete attention, most guests forget about their digital dependencies and enjoy the serenity of nature.”