At Sugar Lake Lodge, we believe that unplugging can recharge your life! There are proven benefits of disconnecting from our devices to reconnect with nature, family, and ourselves. There’s even a lot of research to back these claims! Find out why you should set aside your device and take a technology break during your next vacation.
The Science Behind Unplugging on Vacation
Technology, while beneficial in many aspects of life, is not all positive when it comes to our mental and physical health. According to studies, constant connectivity can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It disrupts sleep patterns and can diminish attention span, all of which contribute to a less healthy lifestyle. Turns out having a mini computer in our pocket that connects us to the Internet is not always the best thing for us.
Conversely, interacting with nature and engaging in physical activity can help boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and even improve overall cognitive function. Best of all, it makes for a better, more memorable vacation for you and your friends or family.
Getting away from screens and enjoying the great outdoors during your vacation can lead to:
- Reduced Stress: activities like hiking, fishing, or simply sitting by the lake can significantly lower your body’s cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading to less stress.
- Enhanced Creativity: nature is not just a backdrop for relaxation. Research shows that spending time outdoors increases creative problem-solving significantly.
- Improved Physical Health: physical activity, be it biking, swimming, or walking through forest trails, increases heart rate and blood flow, leading to a healthier heart and improved overall stamina, among many other health benefits.
Strength Bonds with Family and Friends
Vacations are the perfect opportunity to bond with those closest to you, and disconnecting from technology makes this a whole lot easier. There are no constant pings of notifications, no scrolling through feeds, no faces buried in phones for hours on end. Instead, you’ll experience deep conversations, and you’ll see that everyone’s attention spans increase as they become more focused. Try activities that require teamwork or cooperation, like paddling a canoe or navigating a hiking trail. They’ll help foster a sense of partnership and achievement.
Unplugging on your next vacation will give you:
Quality Time: without screens, families engage in more meaningful interactions, which are crucial for building lasting emotional bonds.
Shared Experiences: participating in new activities together, such as a nightly bonfire or an early morning fishing trip, creates shared memories that are cherished far longer than any digital content.
Healthy Communication: face-to-face interactions without the distraction of devices lead to better communication and more empathetic understanding among family members and friends.
Embrace the Moments on Your Next Vacation
Disconnecting from tech during your vacation is about creating an environment where you can truly embrace the moment, and it’s something our lakeside resort can help you do during your time away! At Sugar Lake Lodge, our resort is nestled in the Minnesota Northwoods, resting on the edge of Siseebakwet (Sugar) Lake—the clearest lake in Minnesota. It’s a place that’s uniquely special to us and we’re excited to share it with you. Our heavily wooded surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. While you’re more than welcome to bring your devices and use then (hey, even we have an Instagram), we encourage all our guests to take full advantage of all the outdoor activities our resort has to offer.
Enjoy the beauty of nature, go on an adventure, or try something new. We promise that you’ll experience some clarity, improved health, and stronger relationships during your tech-free vacation. It’ll also leave you with a lasting impression long after you return home.
At Sugar Lake Lodge, we created a place where technology takes a back seat to genuine human connections. Come and experience everything our resort has to offer.