It’s one thing to wonder whether you’re on your phone too much, but it’s another to face up to the cold, hard evidence. Based on data collected by RescueTime, the average person uses their phone for three hours and 15 minutes every day. But before you start blaming yourself, keep in mind that our phones were designed to take advantage of the biological makeup of our brains to capture our attention.
Beginning to adjust your phone usage takes both willpower and consistent mindfulness to keep track of how much time your phone is consuming. Here are a few easy steps you can take to ensure your phone usage stays in check and your time remains your own.
Track Your Total Phone Usage For One Week
In your phone settings, check out your screen time and review the daily and weekly reports on how much time you spend on your phone. Decide how much time you want to allow yourself to spend on each app and set limits accordingly.
Bury Your Most Addictive Apps
By organizing your home screen so that your most addictive apps are in the back pages, you turn passive apps — apps you go to out of habit, just to zone out — into affirmative apps, which you consciously seek out for a purpose.
Download Other Apps
If you’re willing to accept the irony of using tech to limit your tech use, there are dozens of additional apps that track and limit your screen time. A few of our favorites include Rescuetime, Getsiempo, Freedom and Off the Grid.
Mariko Sandico-Lee is a communications specialist and yoga teacher. We hosted her at Getaway Mount Adams at the start of the new year where she took some time to reflect, reset, and set intentions for 2021.
2020 was a YEAR. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one feeling an immense sense of fatigue as it came to a close. One thing that was particularly difficult was sorting through barrage of external inputs coming from the news, social media, Netflix, etc. There was SO much happening, and so much to process. And given that my living space had become my workspace, the boundaries between “work” and “rest” became less and less clear. I found it harder and harder to “log out” when the day was over, and to experience the deep sense of rest that my body, mind, and heart truly needed.
Last year, my partner I decided to make it an annual tradition to ring in the new year with intentional time away to make space to begin the new year from a place of grounded reflection. After all that was 2020, it felt even more appropriate to take some time away. Our trip to the Getaway House in Mt. Adams, WA was exactly what we needed to center and ground ourselves going into 2021. Taking a few days to unplug, and simply BE with ourselves and one another was incredibly refreshing and clarifying. Even as we made the drive from Seattle to Mt. Adams, taking the scenic route along the I90 corridor reminded us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the beauty of the land we were driving through.
Every detail about how our Getaway House was structured made for the perfect environment to pause, hear ourselves think, and creatively imagine for the year ahead. We had exactly what we needed for a comfortable stay: a cozy bed, a well-stocked kitchenette, a private bathroom & shower to stay refreshed, and of course — the gorgeous scenery of snowy southeastern Washington!
I spent much of our stay reading and reflecting. I was able to finish reading When the Elephants Dance, which is written by a Filipinx author about the last few months of Japanese occupation of the Philippines. As a mixed, Japanese & Filipina woman, learning about the complex history of both countries has been essential to my own healing & liberation of an AAPI woman. Being able to ponder this complex history and identity, all while spending time in self-reflection on how I experienced 2020; brought clarity in what I’d like to let go of, and what I’d like to cultivate in the year ahead:
Things I’d like to let go of with 2020:
Cynicism. Being grounded in reality, yet choosing out of hopelessness.
Judgement. From others, and from myself.
Binaries. Letting go of either/or thinking in the way I view the world, myself, and others.
Things I’d like to cultivate in 2021:
Relationships. Seeking liberation for all people from oppressive systems not alone, but in the context of community and friendships. And generally deepening meaningful connections that are humanizing.
Creativity. Creating more, and allowing myself to think and live in a more expansive way.
Healing. In my ethnic identity, my spirituality, and my body.
2021 has already shown itself to be a potentially chaotic year. So being able to get away from the noise, even just for a couple days – was such a grounding way to center and prepare myself for the unpredictability of the days ahead. Visiting the Getaway House was necessary reminder of just how important it is to slow down, unplug, and spend quality time with myself – both away, and at home. And if that’s something you sense your mind, body, and soul needs – I hope this can be your invitation to do so, too.
Mariko (she/her) is a Japanese Filipina American, living in the Seattle area on occupied land of the Coast Salish people. She currently works as a communications specialist and yoga teacher, while pursuing a career in mental health, specifically hoping to liberate communities of color from the traumatic intergenerational impact of colonialism. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, knitting, cuddling with her cats, taking care of her plants, and blogging about all of these things (and ethical fashion), on Instagram (@marikoashley).
Ready for some intentional time off in nature? Book your Getaway today.
If you’re looking for a gentle singer/songwriter playlist for your escape into nature, then we’ve found the perfect playlist for you.
Evelyn Frances, who’s escaping to our New York Outpost this August, put together her favorite tunes to listen to while she’s relaxing. Featuring Bjork, Maggie Rogers, Mountain Man, and more, her playlist is great for your mornings at Getaway.
Located in Willow River, MN, on the road to Duluth, Postcard Cabins Kettle River is nestled in a quaint town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out while you’re on your escape.
Walks in the Woods
Wolf Creek Falls Trail Distance: 1.5 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This out-and-back trail is an easy hike featuring a waterfall, great for families and warm summer days.
Kettle River: Banning State Park to Old Dam Site Distance: 4.1 mi Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail loops around along one side of Kettle River through Banning State Park, and features some interesting rock formations, the river, and a waterfall. Make sure to stop at Toby’s gas station by Banning State Park for a giant custard donut on your way back.
Trillium Trail to Quarry Loop Trail Distance: 2.7 mi Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This is the perfect trail to explore the Quarry; take your time to enjoy the area and take in the scenic views.
Willard Munger Bike Trail Distance: 80 mi Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This 80 mile bike trail is easily accessible from Postcard Cabins Kettle River. Head over to Rutledge Community Center near Long Lake Road to for parking.
Sustenance and Snacks
Denham Run ~17 minutes away Known locally as hands-down the best restaurant in town, if you’re looking for dinner away from your cabin, Denham Run is the spot to check out.
Figueroa’s Cafe ~6 minutes away Located in an historical building, built in 1895, Figueroa’s Cafe is the perfect spot for some delicious diner food, and a chance to meet some locals and learn more about the history of Willow River, MN. Figueroa’s Cafe serves breakfast 7 days a week and dinner on weekends.
KJ’s Market ~21 minutes away Stop by KJ Market on your way to the cabins to stock up on your favorite ingredients for your campfire recipes.
Endzone Bar and Grill ~5 minutes away This bar and grill is located off the historic Highway 61 on the shores of the Kettle River, with all your favorite pub food.
Things to Do Around the Cabins
Robinson Park ~ 20 minutes away This park is one of our favorite spots near the cabins with options to explore and get into nature all year. There are hiking trails to take you to waterfalls or to the shores of Kettle River, access to the whitewater paddling in Banning State Park, and Ice-Climbing and Bouldering parks. There are events at this park year round, so be sure to check out their website before you go to see what seasonal festivities you might find.
Moose Lake Brewing Co ~18 minutes away Located on the shores of Moose Lake, Moose Lake Brewing Co is one of our favorite spots for a handcrafted brew. They even have self-guided tours for you to explore their brewing history and learn more about how they make their beer.
Three Twenty Brewing Co ~40 minutes away Three Twenty Brewing Co is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon tasting local brews and playing cribbage with those who matter most.
Peaceful Pines Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard ~40 minutes away For the perfect fall escape, head to Peaceful Pines Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard to enjoy your favorite fall apple treats while grabbing a pumpkin to carve on your getaway or bring home to put on your porch.
With a strong affinity for travel and a natural talent behind the lens, Jonathan Samuel aims to take photos that transcend “language barriers, cultural differences, moral constructs, and socio-economic class.”
As a Getaway Artist Fellow, he spent a few nights at our Outpost outside of Atlanta, Getaway Chattahoochee, snapping candid shots of his wife and two sons. As evidenced through his photo essay, he found a little slice of serenity with the controlled chaos.
“Sometimes we forget how important it is to unplug from our everyday lives. Life in itself can be so demanding, and we owe it to ourselves to take a step back and just be present in the moment. No cell phones, no emails, no thinking about next week, or next month even. Just a camp fire and a tiny house in the mountains with those you love the most. A quick way to recharge and get back to the grind.”
“I find it extremely important to celebrate those moments in time that give us laughter, love, and the wisdom to keep pressing toward our purpose in life.”
Our company is about increasing the amount of balance in people’s lives, so whether I like it or not, I have to go on vacation to set a good example.
During my time off in June, I tried to truly disconnect. I hiked, I biked, I kayaked, I slept, I read Do Not Say We Have Nothing. I broke our “No email or Slack on vacation rule” just once to send the team a picture of me, with a beer, in the forest.
I tried to truly disconnect.
Muddy vacation legs.
It sounds idyllic. And it was, but the full truth is that even as the leader of a company about balance, I worry about taking time off. When I do take time off, I worry about fully disconnecting. What if the team needs me? What if our investors and partners think I am not committed? Will everyone work hard and make good decisions while I am gone?
The reality, of course, is that everything was fine. In fact, the team got more than usual done in my absence, including launching brand-new cabins at our DC Outpost. As importantly, I came back in a better mood, with new ideas, and a renewed commitment to our mission.
Reflecting on your feedback
As always, core to our mission is prioritizing the experience of Getaway above everything. To constantly improve, we listen to our guests and read 346 feedback emails this month. Here’s one that made me smile: “There was a moment right before sunset when my partner and I decided to take a walk: it almost felt like we were in an alternative universe.”
There was a moment right before sunset when my partner and I decided to take a walk: it almost felt like we were in an alternative universe.
When working on vacation or not taking a vacation at all seems to be the norm, to spend a day with nothing planned at all can feel a bit strange. But it’s a good reminder that an alternate universe where people take real breaks exists, and that it can become the norm rather than the exception.
Summer is now in full swing. What are you doing to make sure yours doesn’t get swallowed by the pings of push notifications and stresses of the city?
Be well,
Jon, CEO + Founder
ITEMS OF NOTE WORTH TAKING THE TIME FOR
Rethinking Your Out-of-Office Email— A lovely piece that proposes a solution to the working vacation issue: delete all of your emails while out on holiday and don’t look back.
Sleep In This Weekend: It’s Good For You — Speaking of sleep, if you’ve racked up a deficit, here’s the good news: you can make up for it by sleeping in on the weekends.
Did you know that all of our cabins are named after grandparents – of our team members, friends, and guests?
Our grandparents have often been the teachers of timeless lessons and simple truths – like the importance of time outside, away from our screens. You can listen to stories from may of our grandparents on the second season of The Getaway Podcast here.
The Betty is nestled into the the Chattahoochee National Forest at Getaway Chattahoochee, named for Betty Fine, the grandmother of our Head of Content, Amy. She tells us about her grandmother.
My grandma, Betty, was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of two immigrants from Eastern Europe. She was in her late teens when she met my grandfather. They fell in love at first sight.
My grandfather was stationed in Japan shortly after they met, and they kept in touch, writing letters nearly every day. He served as a teacher during his time in the service, and would periodically send back kimonos that my grandmother still has in a trunk along with all of the letters.
At that time, in their Jewish communities in Hershey, Pennsylvania, it was customary to have a big wedding where you would invite the whole synagogue, and it was a big ordeal for the family of the bride. My grandma’s father was very ill at the time, so in order to spare her family the burden, she and my grandfather found a rabbi two hours away from town and eloped, with only my great aunt there as a witness. They actually still have the tape recording of their elopement (a very early tape recording!), and we all listened to it during their 60th wedding anniversary.
My grandma went on to have three kids, my aunt, my mom, and my uncle. As a family, they frequently moved because my grandfather worked for IBM and was often shuffled around the Northeast. Ultimately they settled in their home in Northridge, California. I have very fond memories of that home, where my my grandma, the matriarch of our family, truly turned a house into a home, inviting us over for barbecues and pool time throughout the summer, and along with my grandfather, creating games for all of us six grandchildren to play.
If my grandmother were to define her love language, it would be through food. When I think of her, I think of brisket at Passover seders, latkes during Hanukkah, blintzes on Rosh Hashanah. We celebrated all the Jewish holidays (and many secular holidays) at their house, which never ceased to feel warm and inviting. I hope that the cabin that is lucky enough to have her name has all of that same sense of coziness and warmth I think of when I think of Betty.
You can find The Betty at our Outpost 2 hours north of Atlanta. Book an escape to Getaway Chattahoochee today.
As we wrap up March—it’s hard to believe that a quarter of the year has already passed—we wanted to take the time to reflect on the past month. Life speeds up as we get older (or at least, our perception of time passing) which is why it’s so important to stop and think about our daily routines, habits and how we can keep incorporating new experiences and learnings to slow down time.
We received 277 feedback emails from our guests, and we read every single one of them—some of them twice. Feedback ranged from “It was the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation we have ever been on,” to “Retreating over the weekend gave me a serious creativity boost — a necessity since I’m normally in a windowless office from 9 – 5,”. Other feedback was about how we could improve; like the sticky door one guest was “struggling to open it and having to slam it closed”—we’re on it!
While we’ve been working on a lot, we’ve also been prioritizing getting solid rest. To that end, we partnered up with Casper, Sleepy Jones, KIND Snacks and S’well Bottle for ‘The Perfect Kind of Sleep Giveaway’—one lucky winner will get a set of goods and escape to one of our cabins to enjoy a night’s sleep in nature.
We’ve also just launched this Journal, where we’ll share with you our thoughts, profiles of the interesting people who stay with us, and findings on how to incorporate more balance in our lives. If you’re interested in contributing, shoot us a note at [email protected] or apply for our Artist Fellowship.
Below find a few links of interest and of what we’ve been thinking about lately. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have feedback or ideas.
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