In today’s screen-filled and work-focused world, there aren’t many opportunities to take a break and spend a vacation out in the fresh air. Vacations can be costly, and the rising cost of living has cut them out of many household budgets entirely. An outdoor retreat doesn’t have to cost an extravagant amount of money, though. Instead of costly theme parks or European escapes, you can immerse yourself in nature anywhere you’d like at a comfortable price range. While travelling may cost money, spending time outside doesn’t cost a thing. If you’re wondering if you’re in dire need of an outdoor vacation, you may notice some of these telltale signs and symptoms.
You Long for Fresh Air
Whether you’re stuck in a cubicle or inside your home, you may look out the window and often wish you were breathing in some fresh air. The inside air may feel too stuffy or constricting, filling you with cabin fever. If you have a dog, taking them outside may feel like a wonderful break in the monotony. Fresh air has plenty of benefits, from improving lung health to relieving stress. An outdoor vacation can help you enjoy fresh air without worrying about urban pollution or vehicle fumes. When you’re in nature, the plants and trees supply the air with rich nutrients. There may be a reason you’re craving a cool breeze if you’re stuck inside all day.
You Often Go Unplugged
Technology, social media, and the internet are all excellent tools for work and leisure, but they can easily become too overwhelming for your mental health. You may find yourself uninstalling apps or “unplugging” your technology regularly to reset or enjoy the world around you. If you’ve been unplugging or stressed by too much screen time often, you’re likely craving a real-world connection. An outdoor vacation can be the perfect way to put down the screen and connect with nature for stress relief and enrichment.
Increased Work Burnout or Stress
Without proper breaks, work days can become more stressful. You may have trouble getting your normal workload done lately, which could be a sign of burnout. Burnout is intense stress and exhaustion due to too much work or long shifts without breaks. You can experience burnout for any reason at any time. If you’re prone to burnout or feel like you’re heading down that road, the best way to combat it is to improve your work-life balance. Outdoor vacations allow you reset, destress, and relax without work being involved at all.
You Fantasize About a Secluded Retreat
You may find yourself imagining a quiet, beachside cabana with the waves crashing on the shore. Alternatively, you might fantasize about gorgeous park model cabins surrounded by tall trees in the middle of nowhere. Regardless of the destinations you dream of, you’re likely thinking of a stress-free getaway with plenty of rest and relaxation. If nature plays a major role in your fantasies, you’re likely due for a getaway. Let nature call and rent or buy yourself that cabin in the woods. Your body is likely craving a reset.
Your Moodboards Are Filled With Nature
From Pinterest to scrapbooking, you may often browse through moodboards or social media images that help inspire you or calm you down. If these platforms are filled with photos you’ve saved or liked of nature, beautiful scenery, national parks, or general travel, you may need a getaway soon. Photos and videos are calming and effective, but nothing beats the real experience of immersing yourself in nature.
Frequent Sensory Overload
One of the symptoms of excessive stress or burnout is sensory overload. As the name implies, it means your senses are receiving too much information, leading to overwhelm or intense anxiety. Usually, sensory overload happens when there is too much sound (loud or repetitive conflicting noises) or sights (flashing lights, fast movements at once). When you’re already stressed, you’re more prone to sensory overload. You may cover your ears, shut down, or have a panic attack when your senses are overly stimulated. Connecting with nature and relaxing on vacation can help you reset your senses and raise your defenses against stressful stimuli.
You’ve Got a Dog
You don’t need to love the outdoors if you have a dog, but there’s a good chance your dog would love a fun hike or a dip in a lake. Taking your dog on an outdoor vacation is a great way to increase your bond, push stresses away, and give yourself an excuse to get outside and connect with nature. You may not know you need some immersion in nature until you get out there, and your dog can help you bridge that gap and make that leap. You can start by taking your dog outside on longer walks, to new parks, or exploring different areas. Simply sniffing around is major enrichment for dogs. You can treat both of you with a lovely trip through nature.
A vacation is a great way to pull yourself from heavy workloads and daily stresses. Nature is a natural stress reliever, immunity booster, and mood improver. If you’ve had an increase in stress, burnout, or desire to disconnect from technology, you’d likely benefit from an outdoor getaway. There are plenty of nature retreats to choose from; a beachside oasis, a forested hike, or a secluded mountain lake are some of the many opportunities that await you.
markmunroe
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