Turning off is a real turn off in Mackay and the Whitsundays
23-Feb-2012 So much for the laid back Queensland lifestyle. According to Julie Cauchi owner of Mackay Day Spa and Airlie Beach Day Spa, it’s as simple as asking someone to turn off their mobile phone, to send them into a complete spin.
“We ask all of our clients to switch their phones off when they come into the Day Spa. We want them to be completely immersed in their experience and not be distracted by their phone ringing, vibrating or beeping.,” said Ms Cauchi.
“Of course, it is a matter of comfort and consideration for other guests in the Day Spa, but some people have a real issue in turning off their phone in case they get a call, text, tweet, facebook message or email. “
Smartphone addiction is not a condition isolated to Mackay and the Whitsundays. According to research conducted by Ofcom on www.MoodOff.Day.org, 37 percent of adults and 60 percent of teens admit to being ‘highly addicted’ to their smartphones, with users checking their smartphones on average, 34 times a day.
The researched showed that 51 percent of adults and 65 percent of teens use their smartphones while socializing with others, and 22% and 47% respectively, confess to answering their smartphones while on the toilet .
Most alarmingly 19 percent of drivers browse the web while behind the wheel. It is estimated that at least 1.6 million accidents happen each year due to drivers texting and talking on their phones.
The teams at Mackay Day Spa and Airlie Beach Day Spa are looking forward to a mobile technology free morning on February 26th. A new national day, raising awareness for smartphone addiction, is encouraging people to go cold-turkey on their smartphones for one morning and do something meaningful instead.
On MoodOffDay on February 26th, from 5am until 10am, we are asked to ignore our smartphone devices and simply be present with our family members, friends and colleagues. That means no early-morning texting, emailing, web surfing or getting facebook and twitter updates. Meanwhile, activities such as spending time with the family, reading the paper, or going for a walk and meeting your neighbours are encouraged as healthy alternatives.
“When you come into a Day Spa, much of the emphasis of the experience is on bringing the guest into the present where they forget about the worries of their world and just relax and totally immerse themselves in the moment. The last thing we want them to be concerned about it a vibrating handbag in the corner.”
