Silence is not a lack of communication, but a gift. In a world where we’re always being notified, more and more of us feel the need to switch off. Digital detox is when you stop using screens and technology for a while. It is becoming a popular way to treat mental health problems. And when this break takes place in the middle of the woods, far from signal and the busy city, it becomes pure healing.
What does ‘digital detox’ mean, and why is it more and more popular?
Digital detox means not using electronic devices like phones, laptops and tablets for a while. It’s not just a passing trend; it’s a genuine way of dealing with the need to feel present. Studies show that spending too much time on screens before bed can make it hard to sleep, and can also affect your relationships, how well you concentrate, and your overall well-being. Digital detox is a way to take care of yourself.
What are the effects of spending a lot of time in front of screens?
We are flooded with messages and images every day. The mind becomes fragmented, and the nervous system stays in a constant state of alert. What are the effects? Feeling worried or nervous, not being able to sleep, feeling tired all the time, and not being able to enjoy life. If you disconnect from technology, you can focus on yourself again. Conscious tourism is a way of responding to this crisis. It involves retreats that offer a safe space for pause and reflection.
What’s the point of having no signal in a natural space?
At first, people thought that not having phone signal in a place without phones would be a problem. But actually, it’s a great thing. In nature, the body automatically regulates itself. For example, your heart rate slows down and you breathe more deeply. When you are outside in a forest, away from the noise of the city, your body is less stressed. This is because you can breathe in clean air and hear the sounds of nature. You also don’t have to worry about any electronic devices. All of these things together help your body make chemicals that make you feel good.
Forest vacations in Moldova, especially in places like One Life, which are hard to reach, are perfect for this type of getaway.
How does digital detox work at One Life?
The themed retreats at One Life are simple. When you arrive, you are invited to give up your phones for a couple of reasons. Instead of notifications, there are daily rituals: morning tea in silence, outdoor yoga, meals cooked slowly and with no rush, evenings by the fire with music or storytelling.
Each activity is designed to help you reconnect with time and your own body – without the rush imposed by screens. It is a real break, but it is gently guided.
What do the people taking part say?
“When I arrived at One Life, I was really tired. I went without my phone for three days, which made me realise what I was thinking. It wasn’t easy, but now I know I don’t want to live connected to a screen anymore.” – Irina, 33 years from Chișinău.
“After the retreat, I carried on drinking tea in silence in the morning. I no longer wake up to notifications, but to myself.” – Mihai, 40 years from Berlin
These testimonials show that the lack of signal is not a loss, but a rediscovery.
What can you do at home to disconnect from technology?
If you can’t go away for a while, try these simple steps:
- Turn off your phone an hour before bed.
- Make a special area in your home where technology is not allowed.
- Instead of scrolling through social media in the morning, focus on your breathing.
- Spend at least an hour in nature without taking pictures.
- Try to spend one weekend a month without internet.
Small rituals can make a big difference.
Why is Moldova the perfect place to get away from technology?
Not many people know that reconnection tourism is one of the fastest-growing types of tourism. Moldova is a great place to go if you want to get away from it all. It’s got quiet forests, small communities and places where you can go to relax. At One Life, digital detox is not forced—it is encouraged by the environment: a space without networks or TV, but full of life.
Using the internet to speak out about what you believe in
I’ve decided to stop. Deciding to breathe. In a world that wants you to be online all the time, digital detox is an act of courage and freedom. It’s a way of saying “no” to chaos and “yes” to life as it really is.
