Posted June 6, 2016 | Updated Sept 14, 2017

Since when did we think that the proverb "All Work and No Play Makes Johnny a dull boy" became obsolete? Now that we have personal communication devices strapped to our bodies most hours of the day we think we are actually saving time and benefitting more. But what about fun? 

If we have kids they are back in school now, and we know what a challenge it was to keep them entertained and busy all summer, then the whole back to school routine. Maybe now we can unplug and have a little break, all to ourselves.

Paddling is the perfect way to unplug

WE HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU

You can drop the phone, no really, drop it. Put it away, it is always requiring your immediate attention. You need a break and that can wait. Whoever is texting you today, can wait too. Their emergency is not your emergency. Unplug and get away from that thing for a day or so, in fact, take the weekend off, Dr's orders. If you can't, then just try to keep it to a minimum.

IF WE DON'T STOP, WE WILL BREAK-DOWN

No vehicle can run out of gasoline and keep running, it is impossible, so why do you think you can do it? If you don't stop and recharge your batteries, then the next stop you make will be a break-down. Maybe that is why fall is such an important season for most of us.

MOVING IS NOT ALWAYS PROGRESS

Just because you are moving doesn't mean you are actually getting anywhere, in fact sometimes we move and are going in the wrong direction, or stuck in a rut. You have so many irons in the fire, all of them require your time and attention, and then there are those things that flare up that need you right now. Your day is overstuffed with things to do.

GUILTY PLEASURES

Why do we always feel as if we have to be doing something productive, weekends are just more days to get stuff done we can't do because of the other stuff we have to do. If we sit still and do nothing then we feel guilty. Americans are the worst when it comes to taking time off, yes we do take time off "to work on a project at home" or because we have to attend a wedding or graduation. Stop this nonsense! You need a break, not a break-down.

You need to unplug, unwind and rejuvenate. Your work will be ten times better after you have rested and played for a while.

SOLUTIONS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

I don't know who said it, but people keep on saying "No matter where you live in Virginia, you are never farther away than 1 hour from a Virginia State Park," Is this true? Are you within an hour of a state park? That means that in an hour you can be outside in the fresh air enjoying a trail, or a picnic with beautiful scenery.

PLAYTIME AWAITS

Why play? Because playing is not just "doing something" it provides satisfactory moments of joy, hitting a ball with a bat makes us happy. Running after we hit the ball with the bat makes us healthier and even happier, and we may smile big if someone else can't catch said ball.

Joy, laughter, fresh air, exercise, it is a beneficial combination that we can't get viewing the world from inside with a laptop.

Rent a SUP, canoes, kayaks and even paddle boats for a personal water experience

Even the park rangers need some playtime after a busy summer

Cabins grouped together are great for couple's getaways

Grilling outside is part of the culture at Virginia State Parks

FIND YOUR PARK

Not sure which park is nearest? Click here to find your Virginia State Park. Or you can search by amenities here (if you want to find a swimming beach, boat rental or something specific).

SPEND A FEW NIGHTS

Camping takes a lot of planning unless you have a readily stocked RV that you can just hook up and drive to a park. Camping is awesome for the whole family, but sometimes you just want to get away, pack a duffle, and buy some steaks and go. Virginia State Parks has over 300 cabins that fit the bill, click here for the details. And bring the dog (there is a nightly fee for pets in cabins, but hey he is allowed to stay with you).

WILL YOU JOIN US? 

LET'S GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY AT A VIRGINIA STATE PARK

Something to keep in mind: Some of the fun may be seasonal, so be sure to call the park ahead of your visit if you are planning a specific activity.

Posted June 6, 2016 | Updated Sept 14, 2017