Digital detox: the most important gadgets and tips

Spending time entirely without digital devices – that’s the idea behind a digital detox. ‘Detox’ means detoxification, while ‘digital detox’ refers to a deliberate time-out from digital devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers and tablets. There are various forms of this; with ‘social detox’, for example, the focus is on avoiding social media.

Many people want to use a digital detox to improve their general well-being, reduce stress, promote mental health and be more in the here and now with their thoughts and actions. Anything is possible, from set screen-free times, limiting your time on social media, planning mobile-free zones in your home, or taking day and weekend trips without your smartphone.

If you’re planning a digital time-out for the outdoors, you’ll quickly notice how much help your smartphone has to offer when you’re on the move, including navigation, flashlight, communication in an emergency and more. Depending on the scope, a digital detox therefore requires comprehensive planning: ensuring communication, withdrawing cash or making sure you have an analogue clock. Here are some tips for equipment to make your digital time out outside easier.

Useful gadgets for a digital detox

Compass and map: navigating without a smartphone – if you don’t know how to use a compass and map, be sure to practice before a longer hike. Make general enquiries about your planned route in advance and note distinctive waypoints. There are often signposts and signs, or you can ask someone familiar with the area for directions.

Clock: without a smartphone, many people don’t have a clock. When planning your outdoor activity, however, it’s useful to know the time: how long till it gets dark? Is it time to take a long break? You should therefore make sure you have an analogue clock.

Headlamps: on the trail early in the morning, late in the evening or at night – with a headlamp you are well-equipped and can usually see even more than with a smartphone light.

Lamps and lanterns: small lights quickly make your digital detox adventure feel cosy and homelike.

Binoculars: whether in the mountains or in the forest, with binoculars you can spot animals in your area, for example.

Signalling equipment: hopefully the signalling equipment stays unused in your backpack. But in an emergency it is important to be able to draw attention to yourself.

Firelighter: lighting a fire with a fire steel isn’t a digital detox per se, but it takes you back to a time long before mobile phones existed.

Notebook and pen: the analogue notepad for spontaneous ideas, sketches or passing the time with drawing.

Camera: maybe you have a camera or can borrow one from friends. For example, think of a theme for your walk – yellow, beetles, wood, etc. – and take photos accordingly. An analogue camera can slow you down even more, as you will only see the result after you have developed the film. And since you won’t want to waste film, this will make you all the more mindful of what you choose to record.

Games: encourage others to ditch the digital, for example by meeting up to play games. You can also play outside around the campfire.

Tips for a successful digital break

A digital break can help you clear your head and recover. The following tips will help you design your digital detox.

• Set yourself clear goals: think about why you want to take a digital break and how long it should last.

• Schedule screen-free time: specify hours or days when you’re completely offline.

• Define your offline room: identify areas of your home where your smartphone is off limits.

• Plan offline activities: for your digital time-out, think about outdoor activities, such as a walk, a hike, a picnic or microadventures.

• Use gadgets: the equipment listed above will help you with your digital detox outside and on the go. It’s best to start the day with an alarm clock, so you won’t have your smartphone first thing.

• Celebrate your successes: reward yourself if your digital break is a success – and don’t get discouraged if it hasn’t worked out quite yet.

• Safety: in an emergency, smartphones are helpful for communication. That’s why you might not want to leave yours behind completely. Tip: turn it off or put it into flight mode and put it in your backpack. Check the SIM code beforehand.