Imagine not having to go through dozens of emails or troubleshooting computer glitches daily. Instead of commuting in your vehicle, picture walking down the street for groceries. Think about how your household and family would function without computers and other modern conveniences.
Our world is so different than it was in the 18th century. In just the last few hundred years, we have changed daily life with innovation and technology. But, how much of that modernization has caused us more stress and frustration?
While a vacation is a great way to take a break from normal life and recharge, using that time to reconnect to your family, nature, and yourself is even better. Taking a family trip and leaving a bit of the modern world behind has many health and social benefits.
Visiting Williamsburg, Virginia is a vacation into the rich history of this country and the perfect place to return to a simpler way of life. The city seems frozen in time with historic buildings lining the streets and costumed interpreters re-enacting activities from the past. As a visitor, you can try out a historic lifestyle in this living museum without jumping in a time machine.
Unplug for Your Health
Modern-day is filled with attention-seeking technology. While inventions have made our lives a lot easier in many ways, they also decrease our attention span and increase our constant need for stimulation. As a result, we can have difficulty focusing on tasks.
Put the tech away and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature and colonial times. Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers in one of Williamsburg’s many parks and gardens. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the area on a carriage or wagon ride. By actively appreciating and staying in the moment, you will feel more relaxed and rested on a vacation.
Screens on devices, like your smartphone, tablet, and monitor, emit a blue-colored light that affects how well you sleep. The blue light slows your production of melatonin – a hormone that helps you rest. Your devices will keep you awake and negatively impact your sleep cycle.
Activity, sunshine, and fresh air are the best things to reset your sleep cycle. Williamsburg is a great location for healthy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. At the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, you can boat, canoe, and kayak along the banks of the river. Or, you can walk along the scenic marsh walkway at College Landing Park.
Disconnect for Your Mental Well-Being
We use technology to stay connected with the people we love. Social media is a great way to connect with friends, family, and professional contacts. It allows users to share their favorite memories and happiest moments with their connections. However, researchers have also linked it to feelings of envy, anxiety, and low self-image as users draw comparisons with others.
Disconnect from the internet and reconnect with nature. Spending time outdoors reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, and a walk through the woods or a boat ride down the Chickahominy River can help you feel more in-tune with yourself.
At Colonial Williamsburg, your family can learn about life in the 1700s and how modernization has made tasks easier. Costumed interpreters show visitors the time and patience needed for most activities, such as preparing food, shoemaking, and woodwork. Your kids may never complain about their chores again after seeing and hearing about life for colonists.
Williamsburg also has fun activities like bowling, mini-golf, and comedy clubs that your family will enjoy more than checking what’s trending. The city has a thrilling water park with slides, drops, and splash zones for all ages. Stay mentally strong and positive with fun activities that your family loves.
Revitalize Your Closest Relationships
Does your family look at their phones more than you? With social media, streaming services, video games, and more, it’s very easy for you and your family to become distracted by the latest digital entertainment. Yet, using technology excessively decreases the time you socialize normally.
In-person interaction is a fundamental part of the human experience. Research shows that people who have social connections and emotional support are less stressed, happier, and have a sense of purpose. Children and teens particularly benefit from face-to-face socialization over online interactions when developing socially.
Your spouse and children won’t think about reaching for their phones when having good old-fashion fun. Get your family’s adrenal pumping with zip-lining at Go Ape Treetop Adventure or horseback riding through the woods. Activities that require two hands are a great way to discourage electronic use.
A fun and cost-efficient way to enjoy the moment without technology is by going to the beach. Leave your devices behind to avoid getting sand in them and the glare bouncing off the screen. Without the distraction, you can spend quality time with your family making memories you won’t need a photo of to remember.
Recharge Yourself
Your mental performance, like your ability to problem solve, improves when you take a break from technology. Your brain is like a muscle that becomes overworked processing the information on your phone or computer. By not overusing your brain, you are able to think better and more clearly.
When you come back from a vacation to Williamsburg, your thinking may seem sharper. The local nature trails are perfect for long hikes, mountain biking, and clearing your thoughts. You can also find peace of mind floating in the pool of your resort or relaxing in a hot tub.
But, recharging doesn’t always mean relaxing. Physical activities like sports can also help you recalibrate and rest your brain while remaining active. Take advantage of resort amenities like basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts to stay healthy and energetic.
A trip to Williamsburg is perfect for expanding your knowledge. Enrich your mind by learning about the history of American colonialists, and come back from your holiday smarter and well informed about our country’s past.
