About four or five times a year I go visit my grandparent's house in Nathrop, Colorado which is about 2.5 hours southwest of Denver. Anyone that goes outside of the main tourist cities, like Steamboat Spring, Vail, Breckenridge, would know that cell phone service STINKS. As I got older, the first few days in Nathrop were always terrible. I just wanted to talk to my friends from home, check what everyone was doing via Twitter, or reading my email to make sure I was not missing something important. Every horseback ride (yes, we had horses) I frantically search for my phone in my pocket to take a picture, realizing rather quickly that it was locked up for two-ish weeks.
By the third day, however, it is wonderful. I take my good camera out on the trails for pictures, I have realized that what is around me is much better than what my friends at home are waking up to. I start having really good conversations with long time friends and family. I swear, even my food tastes better. Don't get me wrong, there are moments that I get antsy and want to text my friend/boyfriend/anyone for that matter. But, I realize how content and peaceful I am with nothing but the people and environment around me. I promise I am not the only one that feels this way.
A study was completed back in 2012 doing exactly what I do a few times a year. 56 individuals were sent out to "outdoorsy" states like Colorado, Maine, Washington, and Alaska with none of their beloved technology. All were tested on their problem solving and creativity skills throughout the trip. As the week progressed, their responses became more impressive. Researchers don't quite have an answer for why this occurred, but they think it is safe to assume that the environment they were in mixed with the lack of technology had a role. It is also said that creativity leads to happiness.
So, while I was not a participant in this exact study, I am giving the study some credit and saying that I agree. Totally and completely.
NOTE: Here is the study for further reading -
http://greatist.com/happiness/news-hiking-boost-creativity-121412
#BamaMC495
By the third day, however, it is wonderful. I take my good camera out on the trails for pictures, I have realized that what is around me is much better than what my friends at home are waking up to. I start having really good conversations with long time friends and family. I swear, even my food tastes better. Don't get me wrong, there are moments that I get antsy and want to text my friend/boyfriend/anyone for that matter. But, I realize how content and peaceful I am with nothing but the people and environment around me. I promise I am not the only one that feels this way.
A study was completed back in 2012 doing exactly what I do a few times a year. 56 individuals were sent out to "outdoorsy" states like Colorado, Maine, Washington, and Alaska with none of their beloved technology. All were tested on their problem solving and creativity skills throughout the trip. As the week progressed, their responses became more impressive. Researchers don't quite have an answer for why this occurred, but they think it is safe to assume that the environment they were in mixed with the lack of technology had a role. It is also said that creativity leads to happiness.
So, while I was not a participant in this exact study, I am giving the study some credit and saying that I agree. Totally and completely.
NOTE: Here is the study for further reading -
http://greatist.com/happiness/news-hiking-boost-creativity-121412
#BamaMC495