Our tips on how to feel good like at the cabin, right at home
In collaboration with Alex Béraud, Social Media Advisor at Sépaq.
Might as well face the facts: no one is allowed to come and go between the regions of Quebec. Feel like escaping to a cabin deep in the woods? Well, forget it! But that doesn't mean we can't escape from our new daily routine.
In order to transform this necessary break into something a little mellower, we're offering you a slightly different kind of cabin getaway this week. To make the trip with us, no need to play Tetris with the luggage in the trunk of the car, nor to take out the GPS. All you have to do is change your state of mind by taking inspiration from these simple tips.
Because when you think about it, the cabin is not so much a physical place in itself, but rather a moment where we take the time to live. Welcome to your home cabin. Or cabin home?
TIP #1: PULLING THE PLUG
First thing to do is to disconnect. Switch your cell phone to airplane mode, put away your iPad, take off your smart watch, and most importantly, turn off the TV for the weekend. Bye bye to screens, up-to-the-minute information, and notifications that intersect our conversations.
You'll see that once the electronic devices are out of reach, getting back to basics magically becomes much more natural.
Of course, we understand that you'll probably want to stay connected to the news. To keep your head in holiday mode while keeping up with the latest developments, you just have to choose your moments to get informed.
Tip from a pro: Get the information straight from the horse’s mouth, once a day. We prefer the Premier's press briefing. Live at 1:00 p.m., the entire conference is then available online. All that's left to do to stay abreast of the latest recommendations is to allow for a short half-hour return to civilization at a convenient time of day.
TIP #2: EMBRACING SLOWNESS
Now that the plug's pulled, it's time to relax. Gently lift your foot off the gas pedal. The Tupperware flatware cabinet cleanup can wait; your five loaves of homemade bread too. Give up the search for perfection and the cleaning of the house to reconnect with your deepest desires.
To slow down the pace, we suggest you voluntarily forget the clock. Open your eyes with the first rays of the sun, and for the rest, listen to your body.
Who said that you have to sit down to eat at 12 noon or make your bed every morning? The real luxury of a weekend at the cabin is to live in slow motion.
TIP #3: FOCUSING ON ATMOSPHERE
If there' s one important element that makes up the cabin-style setting, it's definitely natural light and candlelight.
Choose daylight and lamps that provide subdued lighting rather than LED lights. In the evening, candlelight provides a soft glow and immediately creates an intimate, relaxing, and warm atmosphere.
The art of lighting is a good start, but that's not all. Little things on the side are just as important. It's time to bring out those big, soft blankets, the thousand cushions, and your old favourite CDs. You can even set up a cozy little space next to a window and drop in a few times during the day.
For a 100% cabin sound atmosphere, enjoy the latest playlist from our friend and collaborator, Mathieu Charlebois. Play it over and again. Ear candy. You can download it right here.
Tip from a pro: Stock up on candles and give a little love to our local businesses. We're huge fans of SOJA & CO candles, especially for their campfire fragrance that takes us back to those beautiful summer evenings around the fire. Want to pamper yourself by encouraging entrepreneurs in your area? Discover the complete directory of local businesses throughout the province at lepanierbleu.ca.
TIP #4: BEING TOGETHER
Although we can experience nature getaways on our own, it's often in the connection with others that the spirit of the cabin takes on its full meaning. For us, the cabin represents a place where we cultivate the pleasure of sharing. In many families, it's the place where the family gathers, and that's simply priceless.
How can this state of mind be reproduced in today's context, you might ask? Well, you make do with what you have! For those who share seclusion with family members or roommates, this means cooking together, setting a nice table, making a meal that lasts for hours, and rebuilding the world. For dessert, let's rediscover the board games of our childhood!
Sharing and conviviality are the orders of the day.
TIP #5: GETTING CLOSER TO NATURE
Are you one of the lucky ones with a nice wooded backyard? We envy you! But you city folks are not to be outdone. To connect with the nature of your new cabin, you don't need woodland immersion, far from it.
Bringing a little of the tranquility of the great outdoors into the city is a simple matter of taking a fresh look at the experiences available to us, while being a bit more attentive to our senses. For example, when you go for a walk outside, we recommend that you hit the road without a headset to immerse yourself in the ambient sounds, smells, and scenery around you. Taking a moment to sit in the yard or on the balcony and feel the warm rays of the sun on your face also recharges the batteries.
Who knows, you may discover that there’s more life around your home cabin than you thought.
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So, we're all switching to cabin mode for the weekend, right?
Remember to cut yourself some slack. Like any discipline, relaxation is something you have to practice.
Have a great weekend!
