8 reasons to consider taking a break by going off the grid

2025 is the year for taking some time to go off the grid. Not sure about it? We’re here to convince you!

Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming, and the constant noise of notifications, deadlines, and social obligations can leave us craving a much-needed escape. We’re feeling inspired to take a break from everything…and everyone. Whether it’s to recharge, refocus, or simply enjoy a slower pace, stepping away from the chaos can be great for your mind, body, and soul. There are many reasons to consider going off the grid for a while to take a break. We have compiled eight of our favorite reasons for you to try an off-grid approach, could be a permanent thing or a well-deserved digital detox.

Here are 8 reasons why you should try going off the grid:

1. Reconnect with nature
2. Find yourself
3. Strengthen relationships
4. Boosting your productivity
5. Rediscover old hobbies
6. Create new habits
7. Foster a new & healthier relationship with technology
8. Embrace a minimalistic lifestyle

1. Reconnect with nature

Our first reason to go off the grid is to learn to reconnect with nature. There are many reasons and ways to reconnect with nature. By spending time with nature, you are allowing yourself to slow down and generate several emotions that might not have their place in your ordinarily busy life, such as calmness. Being with nature is a great way to increase fitness and activity.

A great addition to any long-distance hike is the HMD OffGrid and the HMD XR21. The HMD Offgrid device and subscription can keep you connected on your hikes with regular check in with chosen loved ones. The HMD XR21 is HMD’s toughest phones, the perfect companion to link up to your HMD OffGrid on a long hike!

2. Find yourself

Aside from connecting with nature, stepping away from the digital world gives you the opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level. Being off the grid can help you reset your mind and reduce stress. With fewer digital interruptions, you can fully embrace the present moment and develop a more mindful approach to daily life. This break from technology encourages self-reflection, helping you evaluate the relationship you have with your own thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. In the quiet of an off-grid escape, you may find clarity, creativity, and a renewed sense of inner peace.

3. Improve relationships

If going off the grid alone feels daunting, why not bring a friend? It’s the perfect opportunity to strengthen your bond beyond just sending each other hilarious videos. Instead, you can connect in a more meaningful way by hiking together, camping under the stars, or picking up a fun hobby like painting or knitting.

You can also enjoy an off-grid detox with family or your partner, making the most of quality time without digital distractions. Play board games, try relationship-building activities, or simply relax together with a good book.

4. Boost your Productivity

Reconnecting with nature and finding yourself on an off the grid digital detox can also help you improve your productivity. Taking a break from technology removes one of the biggest sources of distraction, allowing you to refocus and be more present. Constant phone use and digital overload can shorten attention spans, making it harder to concentrate on tasks. By giving your mind a break through a digital detox, you can train yourself to focus better, boosting productivity not only during your time off the grid but also in everyday life.

To find out more about digital devices and the effect on productivity and attention span, you can watch the recoding of the HMD Better Phone Project Session 3. You can also check out our blog post from last year where you'll find 10 tips to be more productive with your smartphone.

5. Rediscover old hobbies

Sometimes, our old hobbies get pushed aside as work, responsibilities, and technology take over. Going off the grid is the perfect chance to reconnect with past interests and rediscover what you love. Here are a few hobbies that are great for an off grid reset:

• Painting
• Playing a sport
• Running
• Dancing
• Reading
• Music class
• Hiking
• Knitting

6. Create new habits

It is often said that making your bed everyone morning is the most important habit because it allows you to start your day on the right foot. Making the bed may not be an ‘off-the-grid habit,’ but it does signify the importance of creating healthy practices and how they can impact your day both physically and mentally. Creating a new habit could be as simple as going off the grid once a week or once a month, or even participating in a digital detox once a week. Taking time away from technology is important for mental and physical wellbeing and is a beneficial habit made easier when off the grid.

7. Foster a new and healthier relationship with technology

Going off the grid is a great time to start a new and healthy relationship with your technology. By taking a detox, you are beginning a hard reset on how you use your smartphone and other technology on a day to day. It is a great way to force yourself to find other activities to do instead of doom scrolling on social media. By starting this reset off the grid, you’ll be better equipped to maintain a balanced approach to technology when you return to everyday life.

If you are stuck thinking of what to do instead of going on your device, you can find some great ideas on our Top 10 things to do instead of Social Media post.

8. Embrace a minimalistic lifestyle

You can go completely off the grid and embrace a minimalistic lifestyle. Many choose this for its benefits, including a reduced environmental impact, less reliance on technology, and a simpler way of living. Minimalism helps you appreciate the little things while offering more freedom, less stress, and an overall better mood.

The HMD OffGrid is here to provide some relief

If you’re feeling nervous about going fully off the grid, don’t be! The HMD OffGrid is here to make sure that you’re not truly uncontactable.

The HMD OffGrid is a 60g, 93.88 x 60.16 x 12mm satellite communication device, ideal for remote adventures. It pairs with your smartphone via the HMD OffGrid app for two-way messaging, location pings, and check-ins. With satellite coverage in select regions across North America, Canada, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand.¹ With an active subscription, it allows location sharing with up to five contacts, an SOS function with emergency assistance, messaging, and rescue services. You can also get unlimited live tracking for an additional cost. Reliable, compact, and built for being off the grid.

See here to view more about the HMD OffGrid.

See here to read more about the HMD OffGrid subscription plans.