Going on vacation is the best. But we often forget that vacations are meant for us to relax. In this day and age, that includes dialing out of technology.
This is a conundrum we often face. We want to turn off our phones and computers to rest our minds, but we still want to post stuff on Instagram. We also want to let people know that we’re still alive (aka most likely our moms).
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You don’t want to leave your vacation feeling like you never took one. Or worse yet, feeling like you missed it entirely because you had your nose glued to your phone!
Well, here is a strategy I created that has worked for me and enables me to get my rest and relaxation. It also allows me to be fully in the moment too.
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Follow these simple steps next time you’re OOO:
- Set guidelines on when you can use your phone. Perhaps you opt to have 30 minutes in the morning before you head out for the day, or 30 minutes at night before you turn in for the evening.
- Take a camera with you or keep your phone on airplane mode. If you have a camera then you don’t need your phone. But if you want to use your phone’s camera (or if you’re me and like to take notes on places you’ve been) then airplane mode is the way to go. You won’t be able to access Instagram or continue that texting in that epic chat group you got going on. That all can wait for when you’re back home!
- Heart your favorite photos. This really helps with the temptation to post immediately. I like to save my favorite photos and videos. Sometimes I’ll post to my IG Story during my ‘allotted guideline phone time’ but sometimes I’ll wait and even post all my IG Story content after the fact.
- Use the buddy system. If you’re traveling with someone else it’s a lot easier to hold yourself accountable if you’re in it together.
- Appreciate your surroundings. This is your time. Enjoy it. Remind yourself that you really do need a break from tech every once in a while.