Ever heard of the 3 Day Effect? It boils down to this: your brain needs a break from technology and every day stresses; it takes 3 days in nature for your brain to relax. Because science.

The "3 Day Effect" is a term coined by Utah bookseller/river runner Ken Sanders, who noticed a significant shift in group members on a three day rafting trip.

David Strayer, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Utah has had similar experiences: "When we slow down, stop the busy work, and take in beautiful natural surroundings, not only do we feel restored but our mental performance improves too." Strayer illustrated his point with a group of participants who did 50% better on problem solving tasks and word games after three days on a backpacking trip.

"On the third day my senses recalibrate - I smell things and hear things I didn't before." Strayer goes on, "If you can have the experience of being in the moment for two or three days, it seems to produce a difference in qualitive thinking." It's believed that being in nature allows the prefrontal cortex (the brain's command center) to rest like an overused muscle. 

Countless research studies around the world found that immersion in natural surroundings decreased anxiety as well as an improvement in mood, attention, memory, and creativity. 

Imagine what good a houseboat vacation can do for you. Waking up with the sunrise, spending the day in the water, catching up on a good book on the beach, catching fish from the back deck, hiking to natural rock arches or spectacular overlooks, and ending the day relaxing from the hot tub on the top deck while the sun sets. Your stress level decreased as you were reading that didn't it?

Nothing recharges your batteries as well as escaping to nature and enjoying the simple things: sunrise or sunset, stargazing, swimming, fishing, laughing with friends or family around the campfire, playing cards, you know where we're going with this. Leave the spreadsheets, traffic, and internet behind for a few days. Restore valuable connections with loved ones, wind down, relax, and experience the sense of awe that nature consistently offers.

Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and an agent will contact you; we're looking forward to helping you plan your getaway. 

Sources:

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams

https://www.oars.com/blog/why-our-brains-need-multi-day-wilderness-trips/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/01/call-to-wild/