We’ve all heard the famous quote by Anne Lamott: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” But it’s TRUE! In today’s digitized world, our phones and other electronics have become an extension of ourselves. It’s become second nature to surf between social networking apps, work emails, sending off text messages, and avoiding actual phone calls (because, who answers their phone these days, right?). We multitask without even realizing we’re doing it, all while juggling our daily in-real-life responsibilities.
With this sort of multitasking and constant need to fill our attention being wired into our DNA, when it finally comes time for a vacation, how do you REALLY unplug? After spending a couple of nights at the beautiful and refreshing Tallpines Lodges at West Hawk Lake, Manitoba, these are the five tried and true ways to ACTUALLY UNPLUG when on a vacation!
1. Remove Distractions
Remove apps from your phone that distract you or have you focusing on anything but living in the moment. Then read in the afternoon sunlight inside the Superior Chalet at Tallpines Lodges.
Apps to keep: Things that either CAPTURE or ENHANCE your experience. Example: Your camera, music, meditation, or mindfulness apps, reading, etc.
Benefits: Allows you to focus on what’s right in front of you. Eases your FOMO (fear of missing out). Remember, if anything BIG happens – someone will call or text you; everything else is distracting fluff that we scroll absentmindedly. Sometimes when things are out of sight, they can stay out of mind.
2. Move Your Body
Move your body in ways you enjoy most, such as hiking at McGillivray Falls in Manitoba. If you’re out in nature, the movement possibilities are endless! There’s literally something for everyone, such as hiking, yoga on the deck, swimming, walking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, geotagging, YOU NAME IT!
Benefits: Endorphins released in our brain boosts overall mood, reduces stress, and many other health benefits.
3. Schedule Adequate Rest
It’s as easy as that! Scheduling rest is something we tend to forget to do when on a vacation. It’s easy to get caught up in all the activities there is to do, but remember to make rest a priority. Take naps, sleep in, read, take a sunbath, snuggle up and watch a movie, indulge in a long Jacuzzi bath, or sweat it out while in the sauna.
Benefits: Reduces stress, boosts overall mood and health! Also makes for an easier transition back into routine after your vacation is over.
4. Eat Mindfully
Eat food that is both visually appealing and tasty – and do it mindfully! Are you an eat-in-your-car-constantly-on-the-go kinda person? From one on-the-goer to another, there is nothing more satisfying than taking a mindful approach to a meal. Picking out fresh ingredients is the first part of eating mindfully. Pre-planning your meals before you head out to the cabin will help to ease any stresses when it’s time to prepare. When preparing the food, take in all the smells of each ingredient. When handling the food, feel and notice the textures. Make your plate colourful. Colour goes a long way in terms of nutrients and visual appeal. When eating, eat slowly, and notice where on your tongue you taste each flavour.
Benefits: Boosts overall mood, effectively refueling and nurturing your body.
5. Connect with Nature
McGillivray Falls, Manitoba, is a good start. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, you can still enjoy nature by simply sitting right outside your door! Take in all it has to offer. Sights. Sounds. Smells. The warmth of the sun. The coolness of the wind. Whatever floats your boat!
Benefits: Reduce stress, improve overall mood, lowers blood pressure, intake vitamin D, and SO much more. Just go get outside!
Happy Unplugging!
So next time you’re looking to head out on a vacation to take a break, reset, relax, and:
A) Try these tips to unplugging. I promise they will leave you feeling like you ACTUALLY took a vacation!
AND
B) If you’re looking for a mix of a quiet cabin in the woods meets all the activities you can think of (and all the restaurants within walking distance, if you’re really not into cooking), then check out Tallpines Lodges in West Hawk Lake, Manitoba. HAPPY UNPLUGGING!