Trading the city for silence: what a series of rural weekends taught me about rest

This summer, I found myself at a breaking point. Life felt like a runaway train—too fast, too overwhelming, and I was just a passenger, watching as everything piled up: work, relationships, family, my own sense of self. I felt ungrounded like I’d lost any sense of control, moving through my days on autopilot without knowing how to slow down. And while the energy of the city had always fueled me, I started to wonder if it was now keeping me from finding the inner peace I needed.

But here’s the thing about living in New York—or any bustling city—it offers you a back door to nature, a way to step outside the chaos. This summer, I took that chance and escaped randomly and without any agenda to different towns across the Catskills area in Upstate New York, and what I found there was more than just a few weekend retreats. It was a reset. I could breathe again, find clarity, and reconnect with what I’d been missing. Along the way, I gathered lessons that brought me back to center—lessons I’m so eager to share with you.

The importance of disconnecting from the city—more often and for longer

If you're anything like me, you thrive on the energy of the city—until it starts to overwhelm. It wasn’t until I stepped away from the noise, the relentless pace, and the never-ending to-do lists that I realized how vital it is to take a break. The constant pressure to always be “on” can slowly drain you, often without you even noticing.
Being away in nature, I gave myself permission to disconnect completely, releasing that ever-present sense of urgency. It reminded me how important it is to pause, to recharge, and to let life slow down, even if just for a few days. That simple reset truly can make all the difference.

Change of scenery is more powerful when done with intention

Sometimes, simply leaving town isn’t enough to reset. I realized that the real shift happens when you’re intentional—choosing to stay somewhere unfamiliar, wandering through local farmers’ markets with loved ones, or immersing yourself in nature. These small acts of exploration sparked a deeper sense of creativity in me. Whether it was discovering a hidden trail on a scenic walk or supporting local artisans, I found joy and inspiration in the details. It’s a reminder that when we approach a getaway with an open heart and mind, the experience transforms into something truly meaningful.

Slower living is a gift, not a luxury

In our busy lives, we often treat slowing down as something we’ll do once everything else is taken care of.
But my time away taught me that slowing down isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity, at least for me. I learned to embrace a slower pace, where mornings lingered over coffee, random places to visit and quiet moments that became the most meaningful part of my day. It was deeply nourishing to simply exist without the need to rush. There’s a quiet magic that unfolds when we allow ourselves to be fully present and release the constant pressure to be productive.

Nature fuels creativity and clarity

Spending time outdoors reminded me just how essential nature is for creativity and clarity. Whether I was hiking through lush forests or sitting quietly by a lake, I felt my mind clear, and my body rested. The stillness of nature invites you to hear your thoughts in a new way. There’s a grounding energy that comes from being surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and open space—something the city simply can’t replicate. It was in those moments that my creativity began to bloom again, as long-forgotten ideas and dreams resurfaced, ready to be explored.

You can build community wherever you are, if you keep an open mind and heart

Perhaps the most heartwarming lesson I learned is that community can be found anywhere. We often believe we need to stay within our comfort zones to feel a sense of belonging, but upstate taught me otherwise.
By visiting new places, striking up conversations, and allowing myself to be open to new experiences, I connected with people in ways I never anticipated. Whether it was chatting with locals in a cozy café or meeting kindred spirits at a market, I realized that building community is always possible—if you're willing to step outside yourself and make the first move.

As someone who loves to travel and seeks wellness in all its forms, this summer opened my mind to two simple truths: that I didn’t have to decide between living in the city and in the country-side, and combining both is everything but a contradiction. For me it’s the right combination of balance, connection, and building my meaningful life. And this just requires the courage to slow down, explore with intention, and remain open to the experiences that quietly await us.

Wherever your next adventure leads, I hope these lessons gently remind you that sometimes the most transformative journeys are the ones that bring you closer to yourself.