Howzit Inkwazi Adventurers?
You may have heard about an emerging buzzword - Digital Detox. If you haven't, then don't feel bad. To be honest, I was only introduced to this term several months ago in a conversation with Charles, my close friend and fellow Inkwazi Adventures Leader. You see, Charles is a Digital Strategist by trade, and is currently looking to do more research in Digital Wellbeing as part of his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) research.
My initial thoughts were that if anyone needed a digital detox it is the Digital Strategy guy. But Charles knows first-hand how the integration and adoption of digital technologies in our everyday life is impacting our mental, physical and social well-being. The facts are frightening, and you can read more about this from Charles' post on his LinkedIn profile.
So call me behind the times if you want, but I believe there is a good reason I have never heard of a Digital Detox. You see, I am absolutely crazy about the outdoors and nature and for that reason I seem to have a reasonably good Digital Balance in my life.
So as a result of our team, Inkwazi Adventures is well placed to design and lead Digital Wellbeing Adventures. Our leadership team understands the benefits and risks of digital (The Digital Strategy Guy), we are all passionate about nature, outdoor adventures and community change.
So what I'd like to do is share how you can complete a DD (Digital Detox) with the help of IA (Inkwazi Adventures). The #Bushveld2020 adventure has been designed to help you decrease your daily usage of technology, and reconnect with the community (#BIKES4ERP), nature (#HikingSafari) and what is important in your life (#Oxpecker).
There may not be wifi in the bush, but you will find a better connection out there.
Let’s look at what a DD will look like on the 14-day #Bushveld2020 Adventure. Think of it as an opportunity to reflect, reset and reconnect with what is important in life.
Reflect: You will first take part in the #BIKES4ERP bicycle drop in rural South Africa. This means that you will not always have mobile coverage or access to the internet. But this is good, as you will reflect on how dependent you may have become on technology, and have time to think about what is really important in life as you engage with the local community.
Reset: As part of the 4-day Hiking Safari it is an absolute must that you hike without technology. This will ensure you reconnect with nature, yourself and your partner. (There will be no mobile coverage in the bushveld anyway, so social media is not an option). Over the four days you will have time to reset your outlook on technology as you are immersed in nature and wildlife.
Reconnect: As part of the 2-day #Oxpecker Trail Run you can once again whip out your GoPro or phone to capture those fantastic moments as you run in the hills. This is your time to reconnect with friends and family online, but by now you would have thought about some new and healthier digital habits.
Here are also some further ideas from the experts on how you can establish healthier digital habits, and again how #Bushveld2020 will be a good opportunity;
Remove Digital Distractions — What is most important in your life? Family. Friends. Health. Work..? These four things should take precedence over everything else. Ask yourself why you are joining the #Bushveld2020 Tour. Is it to reconnect with yourself or your partner? Is it to make new friends? Is it because you want to live a healthier lifestyle? Is it to escape work? I believe the time you will spend on the trip will help you to reflect on those things you hold dearest and reconnect with them.
Don’t Glamorise Busy-ness — Think back to today, how many times have you told someone that you are so busy. The effect of this is that we use this excuse, of busy-ness, to avoid making the important decisions in our lives. We would rather check our Facebook status than discuss this month’s budget with our spouse. On the #Bushveld2020 Tour you are going to have the time to reflect and reset. Take the time to reflect on what keeps you busy, and reset your daily routine and digital habits.
Ask yourself “why” before you take out your phone — Perhaps today you were standing in a queue at the bank, grocery store, train station or some place else. Did you speak to those around you or did you take out your phone? When we take out our phones, we shut out the world. We miss out on connecting with those around us. Our goal on the #Bushveld2020 Tour is that you only use your phone as a camera. All the other times, leave it in your pocket. Connect with the #BIKES4ERP children. Connect with nature. Connect with yourself.
Inkwazi Adventurers, the #Bushveld2020 trip is sure to help you reset a Digital Balance in your life.
Because the best moments of my life don’t make it to Social Media.
How you plan your DD is of course up to you. Naturally, you could use the entire trip to rid yourself of any technology. However, you might want to let your friends back in Australia know what a wonderful time you are having. Ha-ha.
To find out more about how you can secure your spot on this unique Digital Well-being Adventure, visit our #Bushveld2020 Adventure Page.
Kind Regards,
Cornel van Onselen
Inkwazi Adventures Leader
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