The Adirondacks are a beautiful place to be all year long, but summertime is truly something special. At a time when the rest of the world is a flurry of vacations and adventures, the Adirondack Region maintains its relaxed pace and sense of calm, complete with laid-back Adirondack chairs and crackling campfires.
As it turns out, that is exactly what people are craving these days – tranquility, relaxation and self-care, centered around peaceful destinations, spending time in nature, and a more leisurely pace. Travel experts are calling the trend a calmcation, but the idea isn’t new to the Adirondacks. We’ve been savoring summer’s simple pleasures and practicing the art of doing nothing for as long as we can remember.
The Art of Doing Nothing in the Adirondacks
The art of doing nothing is the intentional act of resting and relaxing without a specific goal or purpose. It’s about embracing idleness and allowing the mind to wander without the pressure for productivity or achievement. Sometimes referred to as “niksen” in Dutch, the practice is believed to offer numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved mental well-being, and increased creativity. However, doing nothing can be harder than you might expect.
Here are some tips to get your started.
Find a Comfortable Space
Choose a relaxing spot where you can comfortably sit or lie down, perhaps in an Adirondack chair, on the shoreline of a lake or pond, or at the summit of a mountain. You might also prefer a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Allow Your Mind to Wander
Avoid actively trying to think about anything specific. Just allow your thoughts to flow freely. Rather than actively engaging in a mental exercise like meditation, the goal is to allow your mind to relax and wander.
Observe Your Surroundings
Be present in the moment. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and smells around you, and appreciate the details, like the smell of fresh Adirondack air or a nearby campfire, and the sound of the wind in the trees or water lapping at the shore.
Practice Deep Breathing
Slow, deliberate breathing can help calm the mind, body and nervous system. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
Embrace Idleness
To do nothing, you have to embrace it and allow yourself to simply be. Give yourself permission to take a break, and release the pressure to be productive, to achieve a goal, or to reach a destination or outcome.
The Adirondacks are the Original Calmcation
The Adirondack Region provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and offers all the restorative benefits of an idyllic calmcation. After all, enjoying summer’s simple pleasures and practicing the art of doing nothing is easier when you’re surrounded by nature, in a peaceful destination, where life moves at a more relaxed pace.
If calm and tranquil is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the Adirondacks. Browse our Adirondack land for sale or contact us for assistance with your search.