How to Unplug in Nature: Phoenix, AZ
CHECK OUT PAISLEY'S TOP FIVE PLACES IN PHOENIX TO ACHIEVE SERENITY!
I am an unofficial Professional at being unplugged. The anxious person in me has been terrified about constantly being able to be reached, whether it was AIM back in the day or Instagram direct messages today.
Unplugging can be challenging if you do not have the same beautiful superpower called anxiety. Not only do we not want to miss out on specific content, and most of us also have folks who need to reach us in case of an emergency.
Here are five places in or around Phoenix to unplug without going 100% off the grid:
1. Picnic at Tempe Town Lake
Pick up dinner on the way over or come with a cheese board and your favorite drinks! Tempe Town Lake is an ideal spot to relax in the grass and look out at the water while an infamous Arizona sunset paints the sky. You can find many open spaces along the perimeter of the lake to throw a blanket and a few pillows down for an enjoyable picnic. I love to sit near Tempe Center for the Arts and watch the jam skaters performing!
2. Take a Call at Papago Park
This might seem counterintuitive to being unplugged but hear me out. I often find myself needing time in nature or staring at something other than a computer screen while I'm at work. My solution to this is to incorporate walking meetings into my schedule! If I know I have virtual meetings in the morning or around my lunchtime, I will take a drive to Papago Park and either walk or simply sit on their park benches while taking a call.
3. Sunset Walk at South Mountain
If you need a quick opportunity to feel like you've disconnected, head over to Beverly Canyon Trailhead at South Mountain! Park at the lot off Baseline and 46th Street to start up Beverly Canyon Trail. Take your first right to proceed up to Ridgeline Trail on the east end peak of South Mountain. This .5 miles walk up will bring you to a breathtaking view of the city and the northern mountain ranges in less than 15 minutes!
4. Outdoor Yoga Class
I love heading into a yoga class in studios, heated or non-heated but when I’m able to sign up for an outdoor yoga experience, it always leaves me feeling grounded.
5. Desert Botanical Gardens
The Desert Botanical Gardens are well worth the $ 30-day pass if you have the extra cash to spare! You can take a variety of walking paths that can take you anywhere from a half hour to three hours depending on your time. For me, this place instantly transports me out of the city and into a cactus daydream!
