Picture this scene: it is 1989 on a train running from Liverpool to London in the UK. The carriage is about 75% full and most passengers are reading, sitting quietly looking at the fast-moving countryside outside, or dozing. Those awake are looking over at a middle-aged businessman talking loudly into a very bulky telephone. Reactions vary from surprise, and envy to mild disapproval. It was the first time many of these people had ever seen a mobile phone. Fast forward to 2024, where it is estimated that about 95% of the adult population of the UK own a mobile phone, with between 85 and 90% owning a smartphone.
These are staggering statistics. While supporting our work and communication, smartphones, tablets, and portable computers have also impacted our lives and mental health in unexpected and disturbing ways. The convenience our devices offer us also exposes us to a constant barrage of notifications, emails, video calls, and social media. Many individuals find themselves overwhelmed, depleted, and disconnected from others, from their true selves, and from life itself. One could say we have become addicted to our devices.
What is Digital Detox?
A digital detox refers to a period when a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and reconnect with the physical world. The goal is not just to unplug from technology, but to create space for reflection, relaxation, and real-life interactions. This intentional break from screens can help reduce the anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue that often come from constant connectivity. It is no surprise then that the term ‘digital detox’ is becoming widely used as something that can be helpful in our lives. Many people sense the potential of an intentional break from screens and technology to reset their emotional and mental well-being.
At Thera Bespoke, our Zero Protocol™ treatments for behavioral disorders and mental health challenges are based on our core values – ‘retreat, recover and realize potential’. An opportunity that is offered as part of our collaborative treatment programs is a chance to step back from daily life back home and the relationships that complicate our lives. This can typically involve becoming aware of how screen time can become an addiction in and of itself. We believe recovery from digital overload is not just about disconnecting from devices but also about reconnecting with nature. Nestled in the serene landscapes near Ubud, Bali, our retreat offers a unique environment that nurtures healing and fosters a return to balance. In this blog, we will explore the vital role of nature in a digital detox and the transformative benefits it provides.
The Healing Power of Nature & Its Role in Digital Detox
Research consistently shows that spending time in nature has profound benefits for mental and physical health. The natural world has an inherent ability to calm the mind, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
A study conducted by Mathew White and his team at the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, surveyed 20,000 participants and found that spending at least two hours a week in green spaces—such as parks or other natural environments—significantly improved health and psychological well-being. Whether these two hours were spent in a single visit or spread across multiple outings, participants who reached this threshold were far more likely to report positive health outcomes compared to those who spent less time in nature. The study, published in June, highlighted that the two-hour mark was critical; individuals who didn’t meet this time requirement did not experience the same benefits.
Here are several key benefits of engaging with nature during a digital detox:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Studies have demonstrated that exposure to natural environments can significantly lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol (“Nature, urban settings, and health: a systematic review” K. A. N. van den Bosch and A. M. Meyer-Lindenberg in Environmental Research 2015). Being in nature encourages relaxation by providing a tranquil setting that contrasts sharply with the fast pace of digital life. Instead of the depleting stress hormones such as cortisol, our bodies produce renewal hormones like oxytocin, DHEA, dopamine, and serotonin – all associated with well-being and longevity. At Thera Bespoke, our guests can immerse themselves in the lush greenery of Bali’s rice fields and tropical landscapes, which naturally soothe the mind and foster a sense of peace.
- Enhances Mood and Emotional Well-Being
Nature has a unique ability to uplift spirits and enhance mood. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world contribute to an improved emotional state. Engaging in activities such as walking through the rice terraces or listening to the palms gently swaying in the breeze can stimulate feelings of joy and contentment. At Thera, we incorporate these natural elements into our healing programs, allowing guests to experience transformative emotional healing.
Nature is not only nice to have—it’s essential for our physical health and cognitive function. Our bodies and minds need the benefits that only natural environments can provide.
- Promotes Mindfulness and Presence
Digital devices often lead to scattered thoughts and diminished focus, making it difficult to be present in the moment. Nature encourages mindfulness, urging individuals to slow down and appreciate their surroundings and the present moment. Whether it’s feeling the warmth of the sun, inhaling the scent of fragrant incense in the offerings made everywhere in Bali, or listening to the water streams irrigating the rice fields, nature invites guests at Thera to engage their senses fully. This mindfulness practice can lead to greater clarity of thought and emotional balance.
- Encourages Physical Activity
Nature also motivates individuals to engage in physical activity, which is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Whether it’s hiking, yoga, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, moving in natural surroundings can boost endorphins and enhance overall well-being. At Thera, we offer a variety of outdoor activities that we call ‘Energy Flow’ which encourage guests to connect with their bodies and the environment, promoting a sense of vitality and energy.
A Holistic Approach to Digital Detox at Thera Bespoke
At Thera Bespoke, we recognize that digital detox is not merely about stepping away from screens; it’s about creating an integrated experience that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Our exclusive Zero Protocol™ clinical approach enables guests to recalibrate their inner selves while surrounded by Bali’s unique natural restorative beauty. Here’s how our approach amplifies the benefits of natural engagement:
Personalized Programs
Our collaborative treatment plans are designed to address each individual’s unique needs, allowing guests to select therapeutic activities that resonate with them. Whether through bespoke meditation practices amidst lush gardens or one-on-one compassion-based therapy sessions while overlooking serene landscapes, our guests can tailor their experience to maximize their recovery from digital overload. The fully personalized approach allows the digital detox to be tapered to the needs of each client. Some people will need time with their devices for specific work and family communication, so the Thera clinical team will support each client to become aware of their use of technology, its potential for distraction and disturbance, and how to reduce it wisely to maximize their healing during treatment. Our experience has shown that enforced digital detox is not helpful. However, when a client understands why it is being suggested in a form that suits their needs, they are very likely to benefit from the freedom it brings.
Nature-Based Activities
Thera offers a range of nature-based activities that promote healing and well-being. Guests can participate in guided rice field walks, mountain hikes, mindful movements such as Qi Gong, and visits to hidden water temples far from the beaten tourist track. These activities facilitate reconnection with oneself and the environment, deepening the healing experience.
Culinary Wellness
A crucial aspect of recovery is nourishing the body with wholesome, nutritious food. Our dedicated local chef works with the client to design a gourmet menu which features organic, locally sourced ingredients, lovingly prepared to enhance health and vitality. Clients often choose to go with the chef to the morning markets to choose the food they will eat. This is a fascinating cultural experience. In the evening dining among the beautiful vistas of Bali adds another layer to the experience, reinforcing the connection to nature while promoting physical well-being.
Community and Support
Thera’s tranquil environment fosters a sense of community between the guests and the hospitality and clinical teams. In the sanctuary of their villa, individuals can connect with Thera staff, all of whom are sensitive to maintaining a healing environment and fostering camaraderie and support. Sharing experiences amid the backdrop of nature helps build connections that can enhance recovery for their stay. The close therapeutic alliance between the client and the lead clinician during treatment continues in aftercare through regular video calls or return visits.
Nature as a Catalyst for Transformation
Ultimately, engaging with nature during a digital detox can serve as a catalyst for profound transformation. Stepping away from technology allows individuals to reflect on their lives, conditions, and priorities while exposing them to a nourishing environment that promotes healing. The serenity of Thera Bespoke’s rural location provides a unique sanctuary where guests can discover deeper insights into themselves and naturally redefine their relationship with technology.
In an age where digital devices dominate our lives, taking the time for a personalized digital detox is an important aspect of any residential bespoke program of recovery. for maintaining mental health and well-being. At Thera Bespoke, we believe in the powerful role nature plays in this recovery process. Our serene environment fosters a holistic approach that not only addresses the symptoms of their addictions, behavioral and mental health challenges but empowers individuals to reconnect with their true selves. An awareness of the perils of digital overuse encourages the client to reconsider how they want to relate to and use technology in their lives. A personalized digital detox becomes an attractive option while in Thera’s healing environment.
As guests immerse themselves in Bali’s breathtaking landscapes, they are offered an opportunity to retreat, recover and realize their own potential. At Thera, we invite you to embark on a journey that transcends the depletion and distractions of your old life and leads you toward a more balanced, fulfilling new life—one that harmonizes technology with the natural world. Rediscover the beauty of the moment and unlock the potential within you at Thera Bespoke.
