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If you have kids, they’ve likely looked at you at some point and told you to put your phone down. It happened to me on more than one occasion. When George calls me out, I want to protest, argue, and justify. But the truth is, even though I try hard to limit my time on my cellphone, sometimes I get dragged into that dopamine trap of mindless scrolling.
A few weeks ago, we took a little weekend getaway as a final send-off to summer before my husband and I started back to our teaching jobs. For three days, we didn’t touch our phones (except for a few pictures), and I don’t think we missed them a bit. It helped that we were busy from sunup to sundown, but it didn’t take long to fall back into our bad habits of doom-scrolling once we returned home. As a parent, there is nothing quite like being reprimanded by your own child and knowing they are 100% correct. We do spend too much time on our phones. This fall, as school starts back, our family plans to implement a bit of a digital detox.
What is a Digital Detox?
A digital detox is simply taking a break from electronic devices (especially phones, tablets and computers) and engaging more purposefully in real-life experiences. For some, this means completely disconnecting for a set amount of time. For others, it means setting boundaries like no phone use during meals or after a certain hour at night.
The benefits are noticeable. Less screen time can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, boost creativity and help you feel more present in your own life. You may also find you have more time for hobbies, outdoor adventures and meaningful conversations.
That’s not to say it’s easy. Our devices have become deeply woven into our daily routines. They connect us to work, friends and entertainment, and it’s hard to imagine being without them. But when you take the plunge, even for a short time, you can’t help but notice the difference in how you feel.
Why the Arkansas Outdoors is Perfect for Unplugging
When you put down your phone, you may not know what to do at first. We’ve gotten so used to filling every spare minute with scrolling, swiping and tapping that the idea of “just being” feels foreign. For our family, the best cure for that restless feeling is to get outdoors — and the Natural State is the perfect place to do it.
We live in the country, where life moves at a slower pace and the quiet is part of the charm. An afternoon in our backyard can be our reset button. We might toss a football back and forth, play a board game at the picnic table or light a campfire and make s’mores. If you live in a town or a city, you can still find that escape with a walk around your neighborhood, a picnic in a local park or a visit to a nearby trail.
And, of course, Arkansas offers everything from rugged adventures to peaceful nature retreats. Whether you want to get your heart pumping on a challenging hike or simply soak up the view from a lakeshore, you’ll find no shortage of places to unplug.
Favorite Arkansas Digital Detox Destinations
If you’re looking for a short outdoor adventure to help you put down the phone, here are a few of my favorite places:
- Arkansas State Parks – There are 52 of them across the state offering a mix of scenery, hiking trails, waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks.
- Buffalo National River – Surrounded by nature and hiking trails galore, the river is perfect for floating, fishing or just sitting along the banks and watching the water roll by.
- Greers Ferry Lake – Rent a boat, borrow a boat or enjoy one of the sandy beaches along the shoreline. The clear water is ideal for swimming, and there are plenty of quiet coves for paddling and fishing.
- Lost Valley Trail (Ponca) – Easily one of my favorite trails in the state, you can experience waterfalls and bluff shelters, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot an elk or two.
- Urban Trails – Living in the city doesn’t mean you have to miss out. In fact, cities often have more designated trails than other parts of the state.
- Museums – Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, but thankfully, there is no shortage of great museums in Arkansas. There are probably several within a short drive of your home.
You don’t have to make it a significant trip. Even a few hours at your local nature center or a quiet fishing spot can give you that reset you’re looking for.
How to Make It Happen
The best way to do a digital detox is simply to leave your phone at home. But I know that’s not realistic for everyone. Many of us feel uneasy about completely disconnecting, especially if we have kids or need to be reachable in an emergency.
Here are some middle-ground ideas:
- Airplane mode – This keeps your phone handy for photos but stops notifications so you aren’t pulled back into the device.
- One emergency phone – If your family has multiple phones, bring only one and keep it tucked away in a backpack and only use it in emergencies.
- Set time limits – Decide in advance that certain hours (like dinnertime) will be completely phone-free.
- Weekend challenge – Pick one day a week or use the whole weekend as a time to drastically reduce phone use.
In our family, Saturdays tend to be our low-tech days. We’re usually together all day, so we can limit our phone use without worrying we’ll miss something important.
But I’m Bored!
I get it. We’ve gotten used to being “on” all the time, and if your kids are used to devices, those first few hours without them can feel like staring at a blank wall. That’s why it helps to have a plan for how you’ll spend that time.
Some of our favorite no-phone activities include:
- Nature journaling or sketching.
- Wildlife watching or photography with a real camera.
- Cooking outdoors or trying a new campfire recipe.
- Kayaking, canoeing or fishing.
- Hiking a new trail.
- Playing card games or board games at a picnic table.
- Building a fort or shelter in the woods or play in a creek.
- Stargazing and identifying constellations.
The more you fill the time with activities everyone can do together, the less you’ll even think about reaching for your phone.
The Lasting Benefits
Every time we’ve taken a real break from our devices, I’ve come away feeling more rested, more connected to my family, and more appreciative of the world around me. And honestly that feeling lasts for days after the detox ends. I notice I’m slower to pick up my phone and quicker to step outside, even just for a few minutes of fresh air.
Arkansas has been one of our greatest partners in learning to disconnect. Its rivers, trails, lakes and parks have given us countless moments of stillness, beauty and joy. None of which required a Wi-Fi signal.
So, here’s my challenge for you: Pick a day, a weekend, or even just an afternoon and set your phone aside. Head outside, breathe in the fresh air, and let the Natural State work its magic. You might be surprised at how little you miss your screen and how much you gain when you unplug.
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