In today's society nearly everything is presented on some platform, being shared in broad spectrum for all the world to see in the palm of their hands. But sometimes I think we forget that there is still a whole wide world outside of the few inches of screen we stare at for more than half our days. Like most, I'm consumed with trends and the latest gossip, but the last few days I was given a chance to unplug, set the phone down for a change and see life with my own eyes instead of through a snapchat filter.

My family went camping, we've gone every year since I was nine months old, and I love it. The outdoors, untouched by society and its need for constant change every few months, and no service. Over the years cell phones have advanced beyond the five bars to 3G, and LTE, mobile hotspots that work for many but it's not always foolproof. Holes in the service and reception making it only possible to receive messages if you're standing on top of your car, leaning almost all the way off.

And usually I hate those relatives or friends who can't unplug, but this camping trip it was me. I never stopped looking for service, wishing I could receive just one text message, send one little snapchat. And now that I'm home and have full service I miss the quiet that came with unplugging. It left more time to enjoy life, read a book, climb a rock or something other than worry I was up to date with the latest groupchat drama.

But in the last day or so I let it go, and just focused on being outside, laying in a hammock and reading until the next activity started. It was nice to finally read the book I've been meaning to read for the last month, just unwind and slip into Charlestown riding along with Doug and Jem as they escape Kenmore Square.

It gave me a chance to finally get a tan, miniscule but nevertheless a slight tan, and go swimming with my family, and then mostly just relax. It's actually quite exhausting always being tied to your phone. Always checking it, making sure you're answering messages and staying on top of the news. Most importantly never dropping it, which for someone as clumsy as myself that alone is almost a full time job.

Unplugging, even for the few days I did, was really beneficial for myself because if i'm still looking in at my world am I really even taking a vacation? Am I even letting myself relax? No, because I'm still worrying about things that I can't change until I get home anyway, staying connected is pulling you away from your down time. Which for someone who works as much as I do and needs down time wherever I can get it needs to make that time.

So take time for yourself without all the devices, turn off everything from the outside world and just be seldom. It's good for the body, soul, and sanity; trust me.