The pictures above are of Elk Point Lodge at Vallecito Lake just outside of Durango, Colorado. I can easily say this is one of my favorite places in Colorado. This was my second trip there and my fourth time in Durango.

I think back to my first time at Elk Point Lodge back in 2024 and how different this trip was in 2025, both trips were great. This trip I was able to fully relax and just unplug.

My trip in 2024, I had been recovering from a back injury, work was overly challenging, and I was also dealing with a loss in my family. I can tell you, when I took that trip, I was on a road to total burnout which came a few months later. You see, while the 2024 trip was fun, it was great to hang out with friends. I couldn’t unplug and let go. I brought my work computer, I checked Teams, emails, I was even asked to join a call, even with one bar of cell service. I also couldn’t turn off all the emotions and feelings from the year that were hitting me from all angles. I was glued to my phone checking Social Media and not living in the moment and being with my friends.

I know a lot of people will frown upon this because we live in a world that values “Hustle Culture” far to much. The reality is that if you burn out because your over stressed all the time, you will never be at your best. So on this trip, I wanted to approach things differently. I have been focusing this year on putting my mental and physical health first. I knew that I couldn’t be a good Husband, Son, Brother, or Co-worker if I was burnt out and drained mentally and physically. On this trip I left the work computer behind, I made sure my team had projects lined up for while I was out, and I met with them before I left to answer any questions. I shut down Teams and Outlook from my phone. My manager and I talked about unplugging and how important it was to just relax on this trip.

I also decide that I didn’t want to be tied to my phone and be present with my friends while I was there. I know I am not at a point to totally cut out social media but I made sure I was off my phone and only used it to take photos. I didn’t want all of the craziness going on in the world to enrage me while I was on this trip. So, I would say I cut my social media use that week by 75% and focused on being present and in the moment.

This trip was great, I focused on hanging out with my friends, making memories with my wife. I got a mountain bike ride in, kayaking on the lake, did some off roading and reading. Now I know not everyone can take a trip like this and I am lucky that I can but here are a few ways to unplug even if you can’t get away on a trip like this.

10 Simple, Low-Cost Ways to Unplug and De-Stress (When a Vacation Isn’t an Option)

1. Take a “phone-free walk” – leave your phone behind (or on airplane mode) and walk around your neighborhood, a park, or even just a quiet street.
2. Read for pleasure – grab a library book, an old favorite, or even an article in print form—something not on a screen.
3. Digital detox hour – pick one hour a day where you avoid screens completely. Use the time to stretch, journal, or sit outside.
4. Listen to music (really listen) – put on headphones, close your eyes, and let yourself focus only on the sound, not multitasking.
5. Get hands-on with a hobby – doodling, playing an instrument, gardening, baking, or any simple creative outlet.
6. Practice gentle movement – yoga, stretching, or tai chi (plenty of free follow-along videos online).
7. Nature time – sit by a tree, at a lake, or in your backyard. Even a few minutes of fresh air and sunlight helps reset your mind.
8. Gratitude journaling – jot down three things you’re grateful for before bed. Helps shift focus away from stress.
9. Practice “single-tasking” – choose one small task (like washing dishes, folding laundry, or making tea) and do it slowly, with full attention.
10. Micro-adventures – explore a new nearby coffee shop, a different walking path, or even rearrange a room at home for a fresh perspective.

I have tried some of these and they are all great to just unplug for a bit and can really make a difference in your life.