DIGITAL DETOX BENEFITS FLOW
HOW many hours today have you been more than a metre away from your mobile phone?
For most, the answer likely a few hours or less.
And if you haven’t been looking at your phone, then chances are you’ve had your head down in a computer, TV or home entertainment streaming service.
While staying in touch digitally has been more important than ever, dialling down on the tech has its benefits.
Beyond Blue says the five key benefits to a digital detox are feeling more content and calm, being more productive, healthier relationships, improved physical health and improved sleep.
Here are three ways to ditch the device and reconnect without the tech.
1. Underwater playground
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It’s nature’s greatest gift to the world and it’s right on our doorstep. Townsville is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef – a majestic underwater playground, a mosaic of colour and life, and an international living treasure.
Experience it: You can’t go past a dive or snorkel trip to the outer Reef. Take a tour with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive to Lodestone Reef or, for the more experienced divers, head out to SS Yongala, Australia’s best dive site.
Head across to Cape Cleveland with a thrill via jetski with Townsville Watersports. Hold back on hitting full speed though – there’s plenty of wildlife along the way including dolphins, turtles and an array of fish.
Heading out on a sailing trip is also a breeze with Pilgrim Sailing and Big Mama Sailing.
2. Outback outing
Looking for that authentic Outback experience? Saddle up for a true Aussie encounter in charming Charters Towers.
Experience it: Nicknamed the “horniest place in Australia”, take a trip to see the famous Texas longhorns on the outskirts of Charters Towers. Begin your all-aussie adventure on a horsedrawn wagon or safari vehicle to meet some of North’s Queensland most unique cattle, including JR, the 2013 longest horns Guinness World Record holder.
Trek up Towers Hill to take in the endless horizons and marvel at the many historical period buildings.
3. Rainforest ramblings
Home to some of the world’s oldest continually living rainforests of the Wet Tropics, take a stroll in the Paluma Range National Park or Girringun National Park. You can smell the difference in the air and feel the cool of the forest almost kiss your skin.
Experience it: Visit Paluma Dam atop the Paluma Range for the perfect rainforest meets lake experience. Clock up the 10,000 steps on one of the many trails, hit the water for a refreshing paddle, or simply take in the natural surroundings.
Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest singledrop waterfall, Wallaman Falls, a brisk stroll to the base of this jaw-dropper will get you right in the splash zone and literally immersed in the nature that surrounds it.