Late last year, I traveled to Khajuraho, a town in Madhya Pradesh, India, known for its ancient temples and intricate carvings. But this trip wasn’t about history—it was about escape. The constant pull of emails, notifications, and social media had left me feeling mentally drained. I wanted to see what life felt like without the endless digital noise.
So, I booked a stay at The Sarai at Toria, a remote lodge that promised something I hadn’t experienced in years—a true digital detox. There was no Wi-Fi in the rooms, no mindless scrolling before bed, no emails demanding my attention first thing in the morning. Just stillness.
At first, I panicked. Reaching for my phone had become second nature. I kept checking my pockets, expecting vibrations that never came. But as the hours passed, something shifted. The silence stopped feeling empty. I heard the birds more clearly. I noticed the way the trees swayed in the wind. Conversations stretched longer, uninterrupted by beeping notifications. In the evenings, I picked up a book instead of my phone and let my mind wander instead of refreshing a screen.
What started as a three-day experiment in unplugging became something deeper—a realization that I had forgotten how to simply exist without my phone.
From Holiday to Classroom: Bridging the Gap
Returning back home to Los Angeles, I realized the deep impact of digital distractions in everyday life, particularly in my role as a college professor. I decided to make one small but important change—I took off my smartwatch before every lecture. At first, it felt unnecessary. But then, I noticed that without the watch vibrating with notifications, I was more engaged with my students. I wasn’t glancing at my wrist, I wasn’t thinking about an email, I was fully there. Were students more engaged with me? Not all, but some - those who took the cue. We start somewhere.
This shift isn’t just personal—schools across the U.S. are now removing smartphones from classrooms. As of 2024, 15 states have passed laws restricting phone use in schools (NEA, 2024). Illinois, for instance, has proposed a full statewide classroom cellphone ban to boost student focus and mental well-being (AP News, 2025).
The Science of Unplugging
What happens when we intentionally disconnect? Research shows that removing digital distractions improves mental health, memory, and focus.
A 2025 study in PNAS Nexus found that blocking mobile internet for two weeks led to a 71% improvement in mental health—even more effective than some antidepressants (PNAS, 2025).
Other studies reveal that unplugging improves sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and increases problem-solving skills (Cureus, 2024).
The Magic of Doing Nothing
We live in a world where doing nothing is seen as unproductive. But science disagrees.
According to the American Psychological Association, children who engage in unstructured play (without screens) develop stronger problem-solving skills, better social interactions, and more creativity (APA, 2025).
I noticed this firsthand when our family started practicing digital-free dinners few times a week. For 20 minutes, we would leave our phones away from the dinner table. At first, it was awkward. Now, it's feels most meaningful — without scrolling, we actually listen to each other.
Analog Travel: The Global Movement Away from Screens
The rise of digital detox retreats indicates that people are craving a break from technology. According to the Global Wellness Summit (GWS), "Analog Wellness" is set to be one of the biggest wellness travel trends of the decade (GWS, 2025).
Some of the top destinations (some cited in the GWS report) helping travelers unplug include:
Eremito, Italy – A modern, monastic-style retreat with no Wi-Fi, no TV, no phone or fridge - single bed rooms designed for deep introspection.
CABN X, Australia – Off-grid and minimalistic eco-cabins encouraging nature immersion without screens.
Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand – A wellness resort offering structured 3-5-15-21 day wellness programs including a 3-day digital detox program.
The Ranch Malibu, California – Enforces a no-phone policy during activities to foster mindfulness.
Miraval Arizona Resort, USA – A luxury retreat with a digital device-free environment for an inspiring experience. Tech is only allowed in designated locations
COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali – Focuses on reconnecting with nature to rebalance and create a renewed sense of focus and joy via a digital detox
Integrating Digital Detox into Everyday Life
Do you need a retreat to unplug? No, not really.
Here are simple ways to integrate analog living into daily routines:
✔ Digital-Free Mornings: Start the first 30 minutes of your day without a phone or laptop.
✔ Tech-Free Dinners: Keep all devices away from the dinner table for at least 20 minutes.
✔ No Phones While Sleeping: Charge your device away from your bed to improve sleep.
✔ Navigation Without GPS: Try to drive without using Google Maps—it improves memory and focus.
✔ Analog Hobbies: Pick up writing, gardening, painting, or playing music instead of scrolling.
Why We Need to Unplug - Sometime.
After unplugging in Khajuraho, removing my smartwatch in class, and practicing tech-free dinners, I realized something simple: Screens aren’t the problem—our relationship with them is.
As research shows, unplugging improves mental health, enhances creativity, and strengthens human connections. Whether it’s embracing analog travel, setting phone boundaries, or simply allowing yourself to "do nothing", digital detoxing is more than a trend—it’s a necessary shift toward better well-being.
Did I miss an amazing property that focuses on analog travel? Do you have any digital detox strategies? Share away and I will add them to this article.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ward, A. F., et al. (2025). Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves sustained attention, mental health, and subjective well-being. PNAS Nexus, 4(2), pgaf017. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf017/8016017
Alanzi, T. M., et al. (2024). Examining the impact of digital detox interventions on anxiety and depression levels among young adults. Cureus, 16(12), e75625. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.75625
American Psychological Association. (2025). The Importance of Unstructured Play for Children's Cognitive Development. APA Research Reports. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/children/kids-unstructured-play-benefits
Associated Press. (2025, February). Illinois Governor Proposes Statewide Ban on Cellphones in Classrooms. AP News. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/fa4ff41c47edb38249fe7ae63c8c3ef7
McGroarty, B. (2025, February). Analog Wellness: What Is the Trend and How Will It Impact You? Global Wellness Summit. Retrieved from https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/blog/analog-wellness-what-is-the-trend-and-how-will-it-impact-you
National Education Association. (2024, September). Take Cellphones Out of the Classroom, Educators Say. NEA Today. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/take-cellphones-out-classroom-educators-say