Spa+Clinic Team Searching websites, texting, checking emails and uploading to social media sites has become, in some ways, an essential preoccupation to keep connected socially and ahead of the game professionally.
But the downside is that it can easily infiltrate every part of a person’s life to a debilitating degree. In essence, it becomes addictive behaviour, hard-wired into the psyche, and as difficult to tackle as perhaps alcoholism, gambling and compulsive eating.
“Digital detox” initiatives are being embraced by medical, wellness and aesthetics practitioners around the world, as technology tightens its vice-like grip on the physical and emotional wellbeing of its “addicts”.
Take, for instance, the Digital Detox initiative that will be launched by the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel chain at all its spas worldwide from September 5.
The program is designed to help guests find new ways to manage their relationship with technology and the stress that can come with a constantly connected digital lifestyle.
“Technology has brought us many great advances,” said Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa and Wellness, “but the expectations for instant communication and the increasing pace of change in the world can have a negative impact on our wellbeing.”
Now, by booking any treatment at a Mandarin Oriental spa, guests can also access a range of wellness advice and activities designed to help them disconnect from technology.
Mandarin Oriental has worked with the renowned Mayo Clinic in the US on the creation of a range of tips and guidelines that can help establish personal boundaries on the use of technology, clear mental chatter and establish a healthy, digitally balanced lifestyle.
The Digital Detox initiative encourages guests to surrender their phones on arrival at the spa, thus removing any online distractions.
In the spa relaxation rooms, guests can access a full range of mindfulness activities such as journalling, note card writing, colouring, meditation or simply relaxing and enjoying the silence.
There will also be a selection of curated spa retail offerings, ranging from crystals and eye masks to meditation pillows and a selection of calming teas and oils. All have been chosen to encourage mindfulness and digital disconnection.
For those who wish to immerse themselves more fully, a Digital Detox Retreat can be booked. This 80-minute experience focuses on grounding both body and mind through the power of human touch, and is designed to provide a calming and peaceful respite from the outside world and the stress of repetitive movements.
The treatment includes relaxation in an aromatic bath, followed by a massage that concentrates on the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, hands and feet.
“The spa is one of the few places left in modern society where it is acceptable and even encouraged to disconnect from technology,” says Jeremy McCarthy. “The spas at Mandarin Oriental provide a perfect haven for people to escape from technology, even if only briefly, to rest their minds and reconnect with themselves.”
On departure, inspired by tips on how to achieve a more digitally balanced life, guests can reclaim their cleaned device from the spa, repackaged in its own protective digital shielding.
