As we speed along the dusty gravel road, I spot the No Service message on the top left of my mobile phone. My heart skips a beat. Was I going to make it 3 days without cell service or wifi? Worse – would my 14 year old son? We are headed deep into Mont Tremblant Provincial Park the largest provincial park in Quebec. We had reserved a yurt on their web site in a remote location on one of its many lakes. Our plan is to canoe, hike, roast marshmallows by the fire and generally reconnect with nature and each other.
After a few minutes of staring at my phone – I just put it away – determined to enjoy the time unplugged. Once we unpack the car and settle in our yurt, we walk around the site and down to the lake. We pause on the dock – I gradually feel my heart rate slow down and my breathing become deeper and somehow more fulfilling. The summer breeze caresses my skin, the late afternoon sun’s warmth energizes me.
We spend a few days enjoying nature, good food, and the simple joy of a hammock slung between two trees. We swim in the cool lake which further awakens our senses. We take time to really talk to each other.
My ears slowly get used to the quiet which was at first unnerving; no hum of electricity or ventilation; no ringing, dinging, or buzzing from my phone, watch or tablet. There are new sounds: the chittering of squirrels replaces the constant din of my colleagues in our open office; otters popping their heads out of the lake startle me much like the pop-up of my next meeting does; wolves howling cause an adrenaline rush not unlike the “fire of the day” that usually makes my heart race.
As we drive back home, I remind myself that this technology purge can be had in my own home. Whether I take a long walk around the park, do some gardening or read a book. I just need the discipline to turn off my devices at some point during the day and reconnect with myself and my family. I hope you take the time to do it also.
But don’t take my word for it – vacations have been scientifically proven to be good for your health. Huff Post says so: Going on vacation can change your gene activity.
Nathalie Belanger 