A City in the World’s Happiest Country Declared a Phone-Free Summer of ‘Digital Fasting.’
Vacation is a time to try something new and reap the benefits of PTO. As Jennifer Moss, author of The Burnout Epidemic, previously told Fortune: “It’s very hard to use vacation for what it’s worth,” ultimately succumbing to the guilt of not being reachable. So disconnecting is vital to combat burnout.
To appreciate the hiking excursions in the national forest, ocean views, and rare flora and fauna of Ulko-Tammio, the island says the phone can wait—especially because spending time in nature can improve your mental health. The island's press release states that visitors will be asked to keep their phones in their pockets, but the announcement is voluntary and meant to promote a "digital fasting" experience. The campaign is supported by scientific evidence that excessive screen time and social media use can negatively impact mental health and interpersonal communication.
The article highlights the importance of disconnecting to combat burnout and improve mental well-being. Jennifer emphasizes the difficulty of using vacation time effectively and the guilt associated with being unreachable. Disconnecting from screens and spending time in nature can have significant benefits for mental health, relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The article also provides five ways to disconnect on vacation, including delegating work tasks before vacation, setting limits on screen time, prioritizing genuine connections, turning off notifications, and choosing a book or activity before bed instead of scrolling.
Jennifer’s insights on burnout and the challenges of using vacation time effectively are emphasized, along with the benefits of spending time in nature and engaging in genuine connections.