3 reasons for a holiday digital detox

December 24, 2024 3:12 PM

Man sitting on window sill looking outside with phone and coffee mug in hands

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.

A digital detox doesn't mean you have to abandon technology completely, it just means being more intentional about how you engage with it, says Michelle Porter, a health and wellness coach who specializes in stress management and burnout recovery.

"If there's ever a time to step away from your screens, it's the holidays," she says. "Sure, the pings, notifications, and endless scrolling might seem harmless. But the truth is, staying digitally tethered is sabotaging your ability to truly recharge. If you're a professional used to juggling a packed inbox, tight deadlines, and the pressure to always 'be on,' your nervous system is probably begging for a break."

Porter shares why and how to unplug as much as possible over the upcoming week.

‘Your brain needs a break’

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."

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5 ways to strengthen employee wellness in 2025

'Digital detox is a great corporate wellness power play tool'

When employers set a good example and communicate the importance of healthy boundaries while on vacation, there is a trickle down effect to employees. Employees who feel comfortable taking time for themselves are more likely to return focused and less likely to burn out in the long run, notes Porter.

"If you're serious about supporting your team's well-being, encourage them to unplug during the holidays," she says. "Specifically, communicate to your managers to [let] their direct reports [know that] disconnecting is not only okay, but encouraged. Whether it's instituting a no-email policy after hours or offering training on stress management and digital boundaries, it's a win-win for everyone."

Read more:

How employers and employees can manage holiday-related stress

Start small and see the results

Porter recommends picking a specific time in the evening to unplug, meaning no email or social media and turning off notifications — instead, consider reading, journaling, or connecting with loved ones. Designating tech-free zones, such as the dining room and bedroom, can help support better conversation and deeper sleep, and swapping out TV time for a walk or other relaxing activities can help reset your system, she says. Finally, Porter suggests planning a full detox day — no tech, just the joy of living in the moment.

"The holidays are a natural opportunity to recalibrate," she says. "Whether it's reconnecting with loved ones, reflecting on your goals, or simply recharging, none of these benefits come when you're glued to a screen. And let's be real: No one looks back fondly on the time they spent replying to emails or [being] the person that sent the non-urgent emails during the holidays."