Some people deliberately switch off their phones in nature; others can't imagine it. What's the value of being unreachable outdoors?

A natural way to answer

I think being unreachable outdoors is genuinely valuable, even if it feels uncomfortable to begin with. When you stop constantly checking in, you become far more present and aware of your surroundings. For me, a few hours offline in nature acts like a reset, and I return feeling noticeably lighter and calmer.

Key phrases to use

• checking in — contacting people regularly to give or get updates, often by phone or message“Stop checking in with work and just enjoy your holiday.”
• lifted off my shoulders — describes a heavy worry or pressure being suddenly removed, leaving you relieved“When the exams ended, it felt like a weight had lifted off my shoulders.”