THE ART OF DISCONNECTING

A muted vibration coming from our pocket focuses our attention away from the conversation. A notification rings and interrupts the person speaking to you. The light on the screen comes on, causing another disruption of the present moment. We’ve all experienced scenarios such as these! How can we truly unplug and simply relax if only for a little while, when our attention is constantly being solicited?

DEMYSTIFYING NOMOPHOBIA
Have you ever heard of nomophobia? It describes a psychological dependence, causing a state of anxiety and fear of being deprived brought about by an excessive use of smart phones or other such devices. Drawing our attention from the moment we wake until the end of our day, they interfere in our lives and take up much of our time and energy.

According to Nicholas Fitz, Kostadin Kuslev, Ranjan Jagannathan, Terrel Lewis, Devang Paliwal and Dan Ariely’s article Batching smartphone notifications can improve well-being, published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, we receive an average of no less than 65 to 80 notifications per day, of which the vast majority are sent while our screens are turned off! Every day they cause us to unlock our smartphones dozens of times, and pick them up more than 2,600 times. And every notification—whether visual or audible—attracts our attention and breaks our concentration. In fact, the simple act of looking at our devices or seeing someone else looking at theirs is enough to place us on alert.

Only when notifications are turned off can we face—and then master—the discomfort and prevent a habit from becoming an addiction. Only when the phone is well put away, can we begin to free ourselves from the grip of technology and begin to enjoy the present moment again. It may be awkward at first, but it’s definitely worth it, I promise.

OFFERING OURSELVES A DIGITAL PAUSE

Keeping this in mind, BALNEA invites its visitors to leave their mobile devices in the locker rooms or to use them only in reserved areas. After all, you’ve chosen to take a break from the daily grind to fully unwind and renew your energy—we want you to make the most of your experience here. Because, beyond the benefits of the thermal therapy, the relaxing cares and a privileged contact with nature, we wish to offer you the possibility to enjoy all the benefits disconnecting can offer. In fact, studies have claimed that by letting go of our mobile devices could open the way for…

• A better quality of life by paying more attention to more concrete elements in our lives, such as family and loved ones;
• A greater concentration and higher energy levels by avoiding interruptions and distractions;
• A deeper and more restorative sleep by diminishing our screen time.

So, why not take advantage of your visit to offer yourself a digital detox?

Take advantage of the reserve’s balneotherapy to renew your spirit and your energy far away from the technological noise. Head out on the many forest trails surrounding Lake Gale; your only purpose being to let yourself be guided towards new and wonderful discoveries. Admire the landscape with your eyes rather than through your smart phone—to create true lasting memories. Pamper yourself by enjoying the therapeutic flow of the hot tubs as you empty your mind just for a moment, the idea being to take a step back and enjoy the present moment.

And who knows … maybe this short pause will provide an opportunity to take a closer look at your relationship with technology, and to reflect on the space it occupies in your daily life.

Your whole being will be grateful to you!

Want to learn more about this topic? Here are some interesting sources:

• Notifications: prière de me déranger (par ICI Radio-Canada.ca)
• Il est temps de décrocher ! (L’Actualité)
• The lost art of concentration: being distracted in a digital world (par The Guardian)
• Le CIEL (Centre pour l’intelligence émotionnelle en ligne)