Americans are known for too much work and not enough play, we work evenings and weekends, if we are not working we are doing stuff that is related to work, like research for our jobs.

Do we do this because it is expected of us, or because we want to get ahead? It is fast becoming the norm. But at the end of the day we forfeit all those healthy things like spending time with family and friends outside. The benefits of spending a weekend outside, not working in addition to our already rigorous work schedule, are too numerous to count. 

TAKE A BREATHER

I believe the secret to being more productive, to having that edge is to unplug every once in a while, not just once a year when we plan our annual vacation. Sure, we don't need to argue that sleeping in on a Sunday morning is dreamy, and well needed rest is important replenishment.

But what really gets us going is going outside in the fresh air and doing things we normally don't get to do each day, which is the rejuvenation part of the equation. This is very important part of the secret to a wow weekend.

Why do we insist on working evenings and weekends when we have this outside?

Wow weekends don't just happen

Americans have 104 weekend days per year and I bet most of us allow life to swallow those up, consuming them faster than a kid with a jar full of chocolate chip cookies. Let's look at what is waiting for us outside at Virginia State Parks. If we can plan our weekends around work, surely we can plan our weekends for some of this, it just takes a moment to stop and do it. 

FIVE SECRETS FOR A WOW WEEKEND

1. FAMILY

Spending time with those we call family at a Virginia State Park is important

2. REFLECTION

Taking time to reflect on where we are, without the daily noise to block it out

3. SUNSHINE

Sunshine is an important factor in metabolizing Vitamin D for healthy bodies

4. EXERCISE

Walking, hiking, paddling and cycling are great ways to exercise and see the scenery

5. ENCOURAGEMENT

Visit a Virginia State Park with a close friend for some well needed encouragement

BONUS: LAUGHTER

When was the last time you just let go and laughed until your face hurt? Laughter is good medicine

LET'S PLAN A WOW WEEKEND RIGHT NOW,

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS

FOUR DON'TS FOR A WOW WEEKEND:

1. Don't bring work with you
2. Don't talk about work while you are away from it
3. Don't check-in on work, trying to find cell service or WIFI
4. Don't do work until the wee hours before you leave the house so you can have a WOW weekend (it will still be there come Monday morning)

FOUR DO's FOR A WOW WEEKEND:

1. Do make a list before you go so you won't have to think and worry about work
2. Do take time to deep breathe, this is something we forget to do with deadlines and work commitments
3. Do enjoy your surroundings, explore the park, discover it
4. Do enjoy your present company, whether it be your faithful dog, kids, friends or people you meet at the park

IT'S TIME TO DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT

Virginia State Parks has 37 parks to choose from with over 500 miles of trails, and many parks located on the best waterways in the state. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Cumberland Gap, there is a park near you promising a wow weekend. Pack a picnic, the family dog, roller-skates, bikes and the kids, and then head out to for your amazing wow weekend.

FIND YOUR WOW WEEKEND HERE

Editor's Note: Did you know that all of the above are not models, but real people doing real things at Virginia State Parks. These photos were submitted by Park'rs like you for the #OptOutside photo contest. Let's continue this trend, let's go outside and play!