Danielle Boaler
With never-ending apps within fingertip reach, it’s becoming more and more challenging to make our free time feel meaningful. Our screen time hours build up without us even realising it. So, what can we do to break free from this technology-obsessed world?
For a great digital detox, get your hiking boots on!
I used to believe that hiking was more popular among the older generation. However, I tried it myself and I’ve never looked back. When work life in the city gets too busy, I dream of escaping to the countryside. I love escaping to peaceful places, which are almost people-free, where you can hear the sheep and the birds. That’s exactly how I relax my mind.
Time To Think Whilst Hiking
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
In the modern world, we have very little time to think. The constant waves of information hitting our brains take their toll. Our minds are in overdrive, and we rarely get time to breathe or time to reflect. Months may pass by when we don’t reflect on our lives. We need to think about our jobs, our well-being, our relationships… are we happy? What can we do to make our lives better?
Hiking gives us that essential time back, allowing us to make valuable life decisions. When you’re in a forest, walking through fields or chasing waterfalls, your worries often fade away and your mind stills. Once the mind is clear, we can give ourselves that well-deserved reflection time.
Studies have even shown that being out in nature and reducing phone usage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Being outside produces endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers.
Cut Yourself Off From The World
I often feel overwhelmed by social media. I get home from work and plan to read on the bus but I have endless unread emails, messages, likes, notifications and news suggestions on my phone. There simply isn’t enough time in the day to sit down and relax.
I always plan hikes in advance which keeps me going, giving me something to look forward to. Due to many hiking routes being so remote, it is often impossible to get a phone signal. You are unintentionally cut off from the world, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
I remember planning to meet my friend at a pub near Milldale in Derbyshire and she took the wrong turn, missing the village and the pub. I used the landlady’s pub phone to contact her. With no luck at all, I was told to run to the top of the hill in the village to get one bar of phone signal. So that’s what I did. Luckily, we were reconnected and continued our wonderful hike. A day off from social media and distractions is often very needed.
Exploring The Unexplored
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
When I go hiking, I love exploring the unexplored. There is so much joy in searching for waterfalls, being surrounded by animals, admiring views from the edges of the Peak District and listening to trickling streams. I also keep myself fit and active at the same time.
One of my favourite things to do is have a picnic by a river in the sunshine or have a sip of prosecco on the top of a hill, appreciating 360-degree views of my wonderful country from above. I rarely sit down at my job so just stopping and relaxing is a treat.
One thing I often think about is that these areas of outstanding natural beauty have been walked across for thousands of years. We need to appreciate them. As Van Gogh once said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
It might sound strange, but being lost can be a great feeling. I love the unknown. What’s around the next corner? What’s over the hill? Where will this river take me? My mind is free.
You gain a sense of achievement by not relying on Google Maps but on human instinct. And along the way, you will see so many beautiful things: lambs, daffodils, waterfalls, lakes, charming villages… your expectations will always be exceeded.
Be Present in The Moment
Look up!
We are surrounded by endless travel reels of picture-perfect travel destinations daily, and now it’s your turn to experience life’s beauty.
Of course, take photos and videos but share them after your hike. Be present in the moment. Smell, listen, touch and take it all in. Your senses will thank you for it! Every moment is precious, don’t spend your life looking through a screen.
When I travel by train I often notice travellers sitting and looking at their apps, rather than catching the views out the window. Too many of us are accruing high hours of screen time – don’t regret wasting time scrolling through your phone. Create life-lasting memories instead. Mountaineer John Muir noted: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
Hiking Recommendations in The UK
I am lucky enough to live in the centre of England with a handful of national parks either on my doorstep or just a few hours away. Here are a few of my recommendations for the Peak District.
Don’t forget to research pub stops along the way! There is no better feeling than going to a cosy British pub or enjoying a refreshing beer with a great view in the summer sun.
1. Bamford Mill – Bamford Edge – Ladybower Reservoir – Win Hill
2. Ashford in the Water – Monsall Head – Millers Dale – Chee Dale Stepping Stones
3. Edale Village – Kinder Scout
So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your phone-free day out in our wonderful world. Clear your mind, reflect on your life, cut off from the endless pinging messages and enjoy your country’s natural beauty.
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Featured image courtesy of Danielle Boaler.
