Disconnect to Reconnect

This past Memorial Day weekend, I found myself two days into a camping trip at Long Beach, Washington, with my wife and our four-year-old. Despite the change of scenery and being away from the usual daily grind, the stress of work still clung to me like damp ocean fog. My mind kept drifting to unfinished tasks and unanswered emails, and I started to wonder if the break would do any good at all.

Then, early on the third day, something shifted. I woke up before everyone else and stepped outside camper, wrapped in my trusty flannel coat against the morning chill. The sky was just beginning to lighten, casting soft pastels between the coastal clouds. The air carried the scent of salt and pine, and the only sounds were the breeze stirring through the tall grass and the rhythmic chorus of birds greeting the dawn. That moment—watching the sun rise, entirely present in the stillness—was when I finally felt it: release. The kind of mental exhale that no to-do list or caffeine boost can provide.

Later that day, while flipping through articles on my phone (before intentionally putting it away again), I stumbled upon a piece on Inc. titled “How Leaders Can Utilize Micro-Vacations to Their Advantage.” It felt like the universe had queued it up just for me. The article emphasized how even brief breaks—when done with intentional disconnection—can lower stress, improve decision-making, and ignite creativity. The part that stuck with me most? You don’t need a week-long retreat in the Alps. Sometimes, two or three days in the woods—or by the coast, with sand in your shoes and a hot drink in your hand—can be enough to reset your brain.

That’s the magic of nature for me. It’s not just a change of scenery; it’s a full reset. No buzz of notifications. No blinking taskbar. Just the tactile, sensory pull of the outdoors reminding me to be rather than do.

What I’ve learned is that it’s not about waiting for the perfect time to unplug. It’s about choosing to build these micro-vacations into life—intentionally and regularly. Whether it’s a long weekend in the wild or a single day off the grid, the impact on your focus, clarity, and peace of mind is undeniable.

So here’s my nudge to you: When’s your next micro-vacation? What space can you carve out—next weekend, maybe even next month—where you can truly disconnect and let nature do its work?

I’d love to hear what settings bring you that deep breath of calm. Drop a comment or a photo—especially if it’s got birdsong and a sunrise.