10 great escapes

The beauty of nature has a unique way of making us feel at ease. But when was the last time you felt that way?

Today, we’re always logged on, and thousands of things compete for our attention. You know the feeling. Notifications pop up left and right, the inbox is always full – and then there’s the never-ending list of things to do and stuff to remember. It can be overwhelming, but luckily there’s a cure: escape the stress.

Appreciate the slow life

It’s time to clear the schedule and plan not to do anything resembling work or chores. To really clear our heads, we might even have to get a little bored, which philosophy professor Lars Svendsen knows everything about. He started writing “The philosophy of boredom” when he was, well, bored. But it turned into a fun, creative project and a popular book.

“Nowadays, we do all these little things to pass time, like constantly checking our phone instead of using that time to think and destress. Being bored is often associated with being alone, but it can be nice to be in your own company in peaceful surroundings”.

The calming power of nature

If there is one person who really understands the value of being outdoors, it is Randi Skaug. After climbing the Seven Summits, she bought her own island to escape the pressure of time in the city.

“Nature doesn’t have a watch. You don’t care about the time when you’re admiring the northern lights or kayaking under the midnight sun”, Randi says. 

Naustholmen, the island she bought in Northern Norway, is a base for outdoor adventures and welcomes corporate groups or larger groups of friends, as well as individual travellers during summer. People come here to unwind, log off, and connect. She calls it “a peaceful place in a troubled world.”

“I’ve noticed that as soon as my guests set foot on this island, it’s like they take a giant step away from their daily routines, which are often really stressful. They say they think different thoughts up here.”

Sounds amazing, right? It’s time to slow down. Below you’ll find 10 ways to escape the stress.