As digital technology becomes increasingly woven into the day-to-day life of Oklahomans, more people are intentionally ditching their screens temporarily through digital detoxes. Disconnecting from tech and devices is certainly becoming a growing wellness trend, with many searching for ways to relieve stress, screen-free. Luckily, folks can find screen-free retreats right here in Oklahoma.
“We often see people who come to the Forest of Peace looking to get away from the distractions of electronics, so they will turn off their phones, and often don’t bring other devices with them,” says David McDonald, executive director at Osage Forest of Peace – a retreat center in Sand Springs. “I’m not really sure about exact numbers in the wider population, but among those who come to the Forest of Peace, it certainly seems to be something people are looking for, especially with all the vitriol and negative rhetoric in the media today.”
The Osage Forest of Peace is a contemplative, interspiritual retreat center spanning 40 forested acres.
Andrea Reed, the founder and president of the Oklahoma Center for Wellness Association, agrees that periodically unplugging can be a good thing for just about everyone.
“As we see more and more people struggling with anxiety and depression, the simple solutions need to be emphasized: time in nature, time in community, and eating clean, healthy … food, plus adding in functional movement is reversing this,” says Reed.
According to Reed, here are some simple ways to incorporate tech-free habits into your life:
• Have phone-free meals, especially when eating with family or friends.
• Take a walk without your phone or leave it in your pocket instead of checking it.
• Spend time outdoors gardening, hiking or simply sitting outside.
• Read a physical book or magazine.
• Pick up a hobby that uses your hands, whether it be cooking, painting, gardening, crafting or playing music.
• Have a device-free evening once a week – or more if your schedule allows.
• Create a screen-free morning routine and give yourself time to wake up before checking notifications.
This last recommendation “is huge,” says Reed. “Our brains are in a completely different state when we wake up. Programming ourselves with ‘the feed’ while we are in our first moments of waking makes it a challenge to intentionally design your day.”
She also recommends taking a few minutes throughout the day to simply breathe and notice what is happening in your body and environment.
“Off grid retreats and workshops are growing worldwide,” says Reed. “Technology as a tool is useful. It can help us automate aspects of our lives, giving us more time back,” she says. At least that’s the intention.
“In a world where we have more modern conveniences than ever before in recorded history, we should also have less stress, right?” she asks. “This is not the case, and I believe disconnecting from nature and our circadian rhythms is one of the main issues for the increase in stress. From a wellness perspective, that constant stimulation can make it more difficult to truly rest and be present. We may find ourselves eating while scrolling, talking to our family while checking our phones, or lying in bed thinking about everything we still need to respond to.”
In other words, disconnecting isn’t just about spending less time on our devices – it’s about giving our minds and bodies the space they need to recover.
“Our bodies need periods of safety, quiet and recovery,” Reed concludes. “If our attention is constantly being pulled outward, we can lose opportunities to simply be present with ourselves and the people around us.”
