As a coach and a consultant, I preach the importance of “unplugging” and “recharging” as a way to increase creativity, energy, productivity and overall well-being.  On a recent family vacation, I set into practice what I preach.

I left my laptop at home and headed to Sunriver, Oregon for a taste of the outdoors. Instead of being tethered to my desk, on the phone or in meetings, I went hiking, mountain-biking and river-rafting. I did not read one email.

What did I do instead?

• 8 days of quality time spent with my son
• 3 trips down the Paulina Plunge natural waterslide
• 4 Class 3 rapids crossed
• 1 family sing-a-long with a local musician
• 1 book of fiction read (all work related articles or books were left at home too)
• 215 photos taken
• 27 family meals eaten
• Daily deer sightings
• 3 family game nights (I was not the victor in any)
• 1 – 500 piece puzzle completed
• 2 afternoon naps

What did I miss while I was gone?  Nothing critical! Clients knew I was leaving and respecting my choice to unplug.  It took me a half a day upon my return to sort through my inbox.  I was able to delete 90% of the emails.  The remaining 10% I handled in the next couple of days. I highly recommend a digital detox.  I promise the world will not come to an end if you do.

Full disclosure:  I took my cell phone but only to take pictures like this one.

 I wasn’t even tempted to email, tweet or surf the web.