3 reasons for a holiday digital detox

Published Updated 2 Min Read

Man sitting on window sill looking outside with phone and coffee mug in hands
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The holidays are a perfect time to take a break from technology, so let this be the last online article you read for a little while. 

It’s easy to maintain habits like checking email and making the occasional work call while on vacation. In a survey from online learning platform ELVTR, nearly 70% of employees said they worked while on vacation, citing issues like an inability to delegate or relinquish control and/or pressure from their employer. But working while taking time off interferes with employees  returning to work refreshed, which is far more important.  

Whether you’re looking at emails late into the night or keeping tabs on news and social media posts, the urge to stay on top of everything negates any attempt to unwind, affects sleep, and alters your mood, Porter says.

“These digital intrusions trick your brain into staying in fight-or-flight mode,” she explains. “Whether it’s doom-scrolling news or holiday sale alerts, being bombarded by information 24/7 doesn’t just drain your energy — it clutters your ability to think clearly and creatively.” 

Lee Hafner
Editor

Lee joined the EBN team in 2022, and covers areas including caregiving, employee health and wellness, healthcare innovation, and company culture. She created EBN's popular Benefits in Action and … Read full bio


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