Ten Great Ways to Unplug, Relax, and Recharge in the Great Outdoors.
For most of us, our days are filled with constantly ringing phones, ever-growing lists of e-mails to respond to, bills to be paid, deadlines to meet and appointments to keep. With all of the pressures of our everyday lives, it’s no wonder people in American society today are stressed out. I don’t know about you, but most people I know would benefit tremendously from a few weeks of true rest and relaxation. If this sounds all too familiar, consider some of these great ways to unplug from technology, relax and recharge your batteries in the great outdoors. Away from over-crowded tourist destinations, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are particularly great destinations to escape the ever-increasing insanity of modern life.
1. Getaway with your friends or family. I’m not talking about your average family vacation to Disney World or Washington D.C.; pick a destination where you can settle into a slower pace of life and truly escape. Throughout northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, there are countless such destinations; small, welcoming communities situated on the shores of outstanding lakes surrounded by gorgeous old world forests. Absorb the rich history of the Northwoods region and relax in some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever experience.
2. Read a book. For many of us, it may have been a long time since we last made it through an entire novel. Whether on the shores of a lake or out on the deck of your vacation home-away-from-home with the wildlife of the forest surrounding you, there is quite possibly nothing more relaxing than getting away from your cell phone and curling up with a good book for an afternoon. Try it!
3. Have a story-telling competition around a roaring bonfire. Imagine sitting under the stars under a clear night sky on a cool evening, wrapped up in blankets as the fire warms your toes. You and your family enjoying one another’s company as you exchange wonderful stories and eat smores – doesn’t get much better than that.
4. Cook a meal together outdoors. Cooking over a campfire can certainly be an adventure for the whole family. While campfire cuisine certainly takes some planning and preparation, the results can be phenomenally tasty. Roasted corn on the cob is a particularly yummy treat.
5. Get some exercise. Let’s face it; going to the gym can be a grind. Treadmills, stair machines, weights. . .ugh. Why not try a different type of exercise in the great outdoors? Go for a hike or a long, leisurely bike ride on a summer’s afternoon. Swim in one of the cool, crystal blue lakes of northern Minnesota or Wisconsin. Cross country ski or hike through pristine snowy forests in winter. Have fun amidst beautiful natural scenery of the great outdoors. The Northwoods offers amazing opportunities for four-season outdoor recreation. You don’t have to be sweating it out on the treadmill to burn calories and get in shape. As an added bonus, there is nothing that improves one’s mood quite like a great work-out, beautiful scenery and some fresh air.
6. Play a game. Outdoor sports such as disc-golf, golf, soccer and football can certainly help burn off extra stress. Even less strenuous activities such as horseshoes, shuffleboard and bean bag toss can help relieve excess stress; spend an afternoon playing with friends and family and you are sure to feel more refreshed.
7. Experience some of the local flavor. Get out of the house and get to know some of the locals. Area taverns, restaurants and dinner clubs in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are local hot spots brimming with local characters. To get to know the local residents in an outdoor venue, be sure to check out one of the many area festivals dedicated to celebrating different aspects of the Northwoods culture. From food to seasons, there is always something to celebrate in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
8. Play in the Dirt. There is no better feeling the sprucing up the outside of your vacation home with some spectacular flowers and landscaping. Or, if you are renting a place for a short period of time, look into volunteering at the local nature center or community garden.
9. Go bird-watching. Taking time out of your busy schedule to observe the wildlife around you is sure to reduce your blood-pressure and overall stress levels. Bird watching can be particularly soothing, especially in areas chock full of a variety of species. The Northwoods of Minnesota and Wisconsin is just such a place!
10. Just absorb the wilderness around you. Majestic old world forests, pristine lakes and a spectacular array of wildlife await you here in the Northwoods of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Leave the Blackberry and the laptop behind, relax and rejuvenate with friends and family. Avoid trendy, expensive, tourist-traps and come experience a vacation as it was meant to be experienced. You certainly won’t regret it.
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