The opportunity to decompress and completely disconnect (from technology and sometimes civilisation!) is important for mind, body and spirit. The noise of modern life, coupled with work and other responsibilities mean quality time out in nature has become critical for me in order to maintain any kind of balance. Despite the fact I’m an extrovert, I’ve come to realise that I need time away from everything to recharge. I’ve learned at my cost that not doing so will lead to knocking on the door of a burnout, something I’ve come close to a couple of times.

An opportunity to go camping in Thirlmere in The Lake District this Easter was the perfect opportunity for a bit of digtial detox. It took a good 24hrs to begin to feel the tension from my shoulders leave and my priorities starting to shift. From Thursday evening through to Monday afternoon talking, walking, eating and drinking, BBQs and fire pits and general making merry was the order of the day. Two of our gang even got engaged whilst we were away – cause for celebration!

The weather was typically British and typical for The Lakes – raining and muddy with just enough sunshine to act as a counter measure for the rain and high winds that battered us on the last night, completely ripped off one of our well pegged down awnings and caused my friends in their trailer tent a very nervous night wondering if they’d end up blown into another county altogether.

All in all a wonderfully grounding and restorative weekend. Can’t wait for the next one….