Your world is surrounded by devices of different sizes. With so many gadgets competing for your attention, screens have become nearly impossible to escape. To counter this, an entire market of digital detox retreats has emerged, with resorts and tour packages encouraging travellers to go screen-free.
We asked Dr Mahendra JV, HOD and consultant in the Department of Neurology at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, to explain the clinical reasons behind the booming digital detox business and what stepping away from screens may do to the brain and body. Digital detox retreats are becoming popular as more travellers seek holidays that allow them to escape constant notifications, work messages, and social media updates. This surge is not merely a wellness trend; it reflects a growing clinical reality that constant connectivity exacts a measurable physiological toll, and emerging research now substantiates what many practitioners have long observed anecdotally: disconnection produces significant, biologically quantifiable changes in the body and brain. The rise of screen-free travel may be driven by more than just a desire to escape digital noise. Constant connectivity can affect the nervous system, so disconnecting occasionally through a digital detox retreat may allow the mind and body to rest and recover.
Dr Mahendra noted, “The digital detox retreat market is projected to reach 1.65 billion dollars in 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.2 percent through 2030, with 67 percent of global travellers now actively seeking tech-reduced or screen-free experiences.
The doctor noted that you may experience quick relief simply by staying away from screens for a day or two. But longer-lasting changes require consistently building healthier digital habits. He explained, “The real changes, particularly when it comes to resetting dopamine levels, take longer to show up. Realistically, that means at least one to two weeks. And the first few days aren’t always easy; a bit of restlessness or irritability is common before things start to feel better. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Next, it is important to understand what happens inside your body, particularly the physiological and neurological responses that occur when you step away from screens:
