Every once in a while it’s nice to disconnect from it all. Actually, more than nice, it’s crucial!

The beauty of the internet and all this connectivity is that it’s easy to stay in touch with others. We can video call our friends, catch up on current events, send emails, and more, practically anywhere with a convenient mini-computer we call a smartphone. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

Until…

The downside to being so easily connected is that people practically expect you to be connected. Especially during a pandemic. Or especially when you’re a cancer patient who’s not working during treatment.

What do you mean you don’t have time to respond to texts or emails? What else could you possibly be doing when restaurants are closed and we’re all encouraged to stay home?! You’re in treatment – it’s not like you have anything else to do!

I don’t care who you are or what all you have going on in your life, occasionally you just need to get away and disconnect for a bit. Even just a week or a weekend can do wonders for your mental health!

Here are just a few top reasons to disconnect once in a while:

You focus on those around you

Getting offline forces us to put down the phones and actually look at the people around us. Those in our house. Those on our street. Those in our community.

You know, the neighbors.

Being an informed citizen is important. But I would argue that building and nurturing relationships with those around you is even more important. Human beings are a social creature, after all.

Information Fatigue

Information Fatigue Syndrome, information overload, infobesity – whatever you want to call it, it’s a real problem.

Basically it states that we can be so overwhelmed by information bombarding us from the media, internet, social media, etc., that our minds start to shut down in an effort to spare themselves the anxiety. This can mean we experience fatigue, lack of concentration, irritability, “plugged in” compulsion where we feel we always have to stay connected online, and of course normal side effects of stress like burnout and lowered immune response.

You can’t pour from an empty cup

Being informed is important. Community and friendships are incredibly important. But you can’t benefit either of those causes if you’re on the verge of a mental breakdown because you’re so stressed from giving and giving and giving of yourself. Take some time to step back and practice self-care. Recharge your batteries, then carry on with your research and passions that call to you.

Cool…But how do I disconnect?

International Travel

Well, one obvious way to avoid connecting is to go somewhere that isn’t very connected. Even if the country has data plans for cell phones, you’re still disconnected unless you have a SIM card for that country or can connect to Wifi.

If your hotel or lodgings have internet access, set limits for yourself so you’re not spending your vacation always connected.

Yeah but…COVID…

I know, this pandemic is really screwing up travel plans, isn’t it?

But you don’t have to travel to the middle of nowhere in another country to disconnect.

This summer I went to a fishing resort in a tiny town in Michigan. (And by “resort” I mean super basic cabins.) There was no cell phone reception unless you were in the middle of the lake, ironically.

I’m no fisherman, but I do enjoy playing with my GoPro and dome out on the lake while my Dad fishes. That way we get time together, each doing our own thing.

There are several places around the US like this, and a number of them still allow for social distancing.

How about a trip to Oregon to learn whitewater kayaking? I did this last summer with First Descents and Sundance Kayak and it was incredible!!

Rustic Stays

On the other side of the country, there are rustic cabins along a lake in the Adirondacks.  Play on the lake, go hiking, read a book and enjoy the view. There are several activities the family can do to be present in the moment with each other.

I don’t know about you, but the idea of staying in a yurt sounds awesome! Goblin Valley in Utah has a campground with a couple yurts to rent. And Goblin Valley is Dark Sky certified! So you can go camping and check out all the constellations at night.

Higher End Stays

For those who prefer a more upscale option, there are beautiful cabins at Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado. They’re a bit pricey to the tune of $1000+ per night. But meals and alcohol are included and they look niiiiiice!!

Ever wanted to hang out on a dude ranch? Horseback riding is the start, but there’s also hiking, swimming, hot tubs, river rafting, and a whole lot more at some of these ranches. The Dude Rachers’ Association has a list of ranches available across several states and part of Canada, and you can narrow it down by state or activity.

All about that island life?

You can rent a room, cabin, or the entirety of Little St. Simon’s Island in Georgia. It’s a private island that’s only accessible by boat, ideal for fishing, beach time, birding, or just plain relaxing. Room rentals start at $460 per night, but that includes transportation to/from the island, three meals a day, and all activities and rental equipment.

If you want some more off-grid ideas in the US, check out here, here, here, and here. There’s also this article for luxury digital detox trips, most of which are abroad.

Perhaps your budget has you a bit more limited?

Check out your camping options at nearby state or national parks. This option varies widely depending on state, so be sure to check how your state is doing with COVID updates and what’s available before you go.

Or maybe you’d rather avoid anyone and everyone and camp in your own backyard? Goodness knows this is on my to-do list this year!!

If you don’t already have camping gear, you can get used gear through REI or a number of other online retailers.

Camping not your thing? You can always do a disconnected staycation at home. This takes some willpower and intention, but it’s cheaper! Hide your TV remotes, turn off your phone or leave it in another room, and leave the computer/tablet alone.

I’ve been doing a similar version of this on Sundays to take a small break each week. That way I have a day to recharge my own batteries before I hit the point of burnout, but I don’t have to go to the backcountry every time.

Have other ideas on how to disconnect from the online world? Let me know your favorite methods or locations in the comments!

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