Editor’s note: Rob Volpe is CEO and founder of consumer insight firm Ignite 360, San Francisco. This is an edited version of a post that originally appeared under the title, “Risky Business: How to survive a week unplugged.”
Unplugging and truly escaping on a vacation becomes more challenging every year. Corporate culture demands 80+ hour work weeks if you want to be seen as successful. It's taking a toll on employees. And in our polarized climate with news cycles spinning faster and faster, the fear of missing out is taking on greater meaning. Unplugging is risky business. It’s better, easier and safer to stay connected. Just in case. But last summer I learned the risk is worth the reward.
Smartphones and satellites mean I can be connected almost anywhere – to work, the constant churn of news and the tug of social media. Where can a guy go to escape and reset?
To find this escape from technology I signed up for a seven-day voyage on the Queen Mary 2 and vowed I’d pass on the expensive Wi-Fi.
But would detachment create more distress and anxiety? Could it provide a moment of tranquility?
Day 1: I checked in on the news and opened my e-mail one last time. It was a Sunday, so work e-mails were at a minimum. Here we go!
Day 2: Withdrawal. No cell service and no Wi-Fi meant no headlines or Facebook posts slipping through. I ignored the daily U.S. news printout left at our door. Twice I eyed the start of the headline and felt the rise of “Trump stress” so I immediately threw those away.
Sailing over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, I moved quickly past news outlets carried on the onboard satellite. If a true catastrophe struck, I’m sure it would make the rounds. I noticed how I was able to focus on other things, exploring the ship, sipping on an Aperol Spritz (or three) with friends. Most significantly, I dedicated time to work on the book I’m writing.
Day 3: My husband and I met some wonderful people on board from around the world. First conversations often included politics and the latest events. But after we got our feelings and frustrations out, there wasn’t anything left to share on the topic.
Instead, we spent time learning more about each other. We talked about our experiences on board the ship, where we had traveled, our plans when we arrived in New York and the latest books we were reading.
Day 4: Relapse. While working on a chapter revision, I overheard a woman say Justice Kennedy was retiring. No! Why did she have to say that? Why didn’t I have my earbuds in?
My brain started to spin. What does this pending court appointment mean?
For about 15 minutes I tensed up, wondering what was happening, hoping to hear what was next. But I yearned to return to my media-free solitude and I let it go.
Day 5: Back in my state of temporary ignorance, we had an incredible lunch at the French restaurant on board. It was the day of the masquerade ball. My husband, Charles, and I decided the best costume for us would be drag, reprising characters, “Bobbi and Frances” we had done in the past for one of our shipboard friend’s birthday parties. I even won most glamorous couple during the Masquerade Promenade, escorted by one of our new friends.
Day 6: Our last full day on board. The sun was shining. Dolphins, sharks and starfish were spotted in the water. I squeezed in some writing. It was the last day without technology calling us back.
I was enjoying the freedom from devices. Conversations went deeper. Meals didn’t involve a modicum of distracting social media food photos. No work or politics to stress over.
Day 7: Gliding into New York harbor I was faced with the reality of having to turn my phone back on and face the swirl of news, e-mails and status updates. But, docked in Red Hook, I felt renewed and so glad I took the risk of unplugging. I was inspired by my experience. Inspired to re-prioritize my relationship with my device.
Tips for unplugging
Based on my experience unplugging, I put together three tips for anyone looking to escape from technology on their next vacation.
1. Airplane mode is your friend. Leave your phone on that setting – you can still use it for photos to upload later. If you need GPS for navigation, turn off all your notifications. If someone needs to reach you, let them know where you are staying and give them that phone number.
2. Wear your earbuds. If you are in a public space, even in the middle of the North Atlantic, you are susceptible to overhearing someone else’s reaction to current events. Keep those earbuds handy and use them!
3. Take notes. Remember how it feels and what you are doing instead of browsing status updates or consuming news. If that feeling of going without is better than the feeling you get of having, it’s time to reconsider your relationship to your devices.