The importance of a digital detox

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to take a break from your phone, from notifications, and from the endless scroll of social media? A silent retreat might be the perfect opportunity to experience that kind of digital detox.

On my Gold Coast silent retreats up in the forest of Springbrook, guests are invited to step into a space of calm and stillness. While there isn’t a strict “no phone” rule, the atmosphere is always tech-free. Devices are welcome to be kept with you, but they are never used in sight or sound of others, preserving the shared quiet and meditative environment.

Interestingly, most guests naturally choose to put their phones away for the entire retreat. Some even hand their devices to me upon arrival, knowing the temptation to peek will be too strong.

The benefits of a silent retreat and digital detox are profound. Our daily lives are filled with screens, notifications, and constant input, which can fragment attention, elevate stress hormones, disrupt sleep, and leave little room for emotional processing. Even a short break from digital noise can bring clarity, groundedness, and a deep sense of calm.

You don’t have to wait for a weekend retreat to start unplugging. Small steps, like leaving your phone in another room during meals, turning off unnecessary notifications, or setting aside a daily pocket of offline time, can make a significant difference. Some people even experiment with a “digital Sabbath,” a half or full day offline, to gradually ease away from the habit, or addiction, that so many of us have developed.

If you’ve been craving a weekend of quiet, meditation, and deep rest without notifications or scrolling, a silent retreat on the Gold Coast could be exactly what your body and mind are asking for. It’s more than just time away -it’s an opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.