Finnish island Ulko-Tammio is world’s first phone-free tourist area

If you’re hoping to post on Instagram while visiting the Finnish island of Ulko-Tammio, you’re out of luck – the island has just become the world’s first phone-free tourist area.

This summer, the remote, uninhabited island is urging visitors to unplug and “to take in the island and its nature with all their senses,” according to a news release.

“We encourage visitors to put their phones away voluntarily and to focus their senses on nature rather than on their phones. This is a great initiative that could be implemented in other nature and recreational destinations, too,” said Joel Heino, manager of outdoor recreation and visitor management at Parks & Wildlife Finland, in a statement.

More:Is a wellness retreat worth it? I spent a week surfing with women to find out.

Don’t worry, your phone won’t be collected upon arrival – the digital fasting is technically voluntary. There’s phone service across the island if needed.

“People are not meant to be glued to screens all the time. Even a short digital fast can be useful and improve our well-being and help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression,” said Terhi Mustonen, psychologist and Program Manager of the Limitless Gaming and Limitless Social Media programmes at the Sosped Foundation, in a statement.

Spending time outside in nature without technology has been found to be beneficial for mental health. Nature’s known to help calm stress and anxiety while boosting moods. Research shows that a 90-minute stroll in nature can help reduce negative rumination. It can also help people feel more connected to the world and those around them.