Are you feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life? Do you want to escape the stress of everyday life and go off the grid for a few days?
If so, going off the grid can be a great way to relax, reset, and reconnect with yourself and your environment.
The only question is how you can manage to cut off all ties and completely drop off the grid.
Well, this is something I tried a week ago. I’m proud to say that my plan completely worked — I accomplished the peace and relaxation that I was looking for.
That’s why I decided to share some tips to help you get prepared to go off the grid for a few days.
How to set up your off-the-grid gateway
Let’s start with your expectations.
If you’re planning to go off the grid for a few days, chances are that you’ve already imagined how you’re going to spend your time.
Maybe you’re going to go camping in the woods or find an isolated cottage on a lake.
Or maybe you just imagine it as a time to get away from it all, a time to sit by the fireplace with some nice books and music.
Whatever your idea of off-the-grid living is, make sure that it’s realistic. It’s good to have a dream, but don’t expect too much out of it.
This will make your experience go more smoothly and make you feel less disappointed in the long run.
Going off the grid is merely a tool that can help you relax and reconnect with yourself, which will help you solve some of your problems. But it won’t solve all of them. That’s just not realistic.
However, if your goal is to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on yourself, then going off the grid can be a great tool for you.
Now, let’s talk about setting up your off-the-grid gateway. This is an important part of getting ready to go off the grid for a few days.
First up, you’ll want to plan your off-the-grid trip so that you can make the most of your time off the grid.
Conveniently, there are many ways to go off the grid, so you can choose a destination that fits your desired off-the-grid experience.
In my case, everything started with choosing the right destination, and the steps to go completely off the grid came after that.
I chose a destination that I was familiar with, which was the perfect place for me to go off the grid. This helped me prepare for my trip, and it also helped me make the most of my time away from civilization.
If you’re planning to go off the grid for a few days, then make sure to choose a destination that will help you achieve your desired experience.
So, let me share some tips to help you get started:
1) Choose the destination where you can go
The first and most important thing is to choose the right destination. Why?
Because your off-the-grid gateway has to be close to what you imagine in your mind.
For example, if you have a dream of going to the middle of nowhere and living in a cabin with no electricity for a few days, make sure that the place you choose is remote enough to achieve your desired experience.
In my case, I chose a place that I knew well, which was a good thing because I had all the necessary supplies there.
If you’re planning to go off the grid and you don’t know where to go, then start by looking at your surroundings.
Is there somewhere nearby that you can get to without using public transportation?
If so, then that’s a good place to start. It doesn’t have to be too far away from civilization, but it should be far enough for you to enjoy your experience more.
On the other hand, you can also choose a destination that’s far away from civilization and allows you to enjoy the off-the-grid experience.
For example, if you’re planning to go off the grid for a few days in a remote cabin in the mountains of Colorado, then that would be perfect for you.
In either case, make sure that the location offers what you want out of your off-the-grid experience.
2) Decide when to go off the grid
The second thing you should do is choose when to go off the grid.
You can go off the grid anytime, but some times are better than others.
For example, if you’re planning to take a few days off during the summer, then that would be perfect for you because it’s warm outside and there are more opportunities for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to go off-the-grid during a cold winter weekend, then that would not be so great. That’s because it’s colder outside, which means fewer outdoor activities and less time spent enjoying nature.
Why is this so important?
Because we all have responsibilities that we need to fulfill regularly.
For example, if you have a job and you’re planning to go off the grid, the weekend might be the best time for it.
However, if you’re thinking of disconnecting from the world for more than just two days, then you need to consider taking some days off and going off the grid for a longer period of time.
That’s why you need to determine how long to go off the grid.
If this is your first time going off the grid, then I suggest taking at least one full day to disconnect from the world and get into nature. Why?
Because not everyone enjoys such kinds of experiences. Maybe during the process, you find out that this isn’t really something for you.
Therefore, I believe that it’s important to spend one day completely on your own off the grid before you decide to plan longer gateways.
Have a look at the weather forecast as well to get prepared accordingly.
Make sure that you don’t go off the grid when it’s too hot or too cold outside.
3) Determine your purpose
What’s the main reason you want to go off the grid?
Do you want to disconnect from the world in order to get away from everything and everyone? Or do you want to disconnect from the world in order to reconnect with yourself and nature?
Just think about it before you finally decide to make a plan for your gateway.
The reason why I’d like you to determine the exact purpose of going off the grid is that you need to have the right mindset about why you’re going to disconnect.
It turns out that a positive mindset helps us develop a positive attitude toward our plans and succeed as a result.
So, guess what?
Understanding the exact outcome you’re expecting from this journey will help you to develop a positive attitude toward it.
As a result, you’ll be more likely to succeed and achieve your desired results.
For example, if you just want to get away from things and people, then that’s great. However, if your motivation is to reconnect with yourself and nature, then that would be something altogether different.
One thing I’m sure about is that you need to develop your own formula and empower yourself to actually take steps forward and go off the grid.
This is something I learned from the Ideapod’s founder, Justin Brown’s free masterclass about finding your purpose in life.
His perspective helped me realize that I wasn’t living my life in alignment with a deeper sense of purpose.
Justin developed his provocative perspective after spending time with a shaman in Brazil. As a result, you won’t be surprised if I tell you that this video might turn your world upside down and make you want to explore your inner self.
At least, that’s what happened to me. And that’s why I decided to go off the grid for a few days immediately after watching his video.
So, if you’re ready to change your life and discover your real purpose, don’t hesitate to watch his inspiring masterclass.
4) Find a place to stay
Regardless of where you decide to go, there’s no doubt that you need to find a place somewhere.
And I’m sure that you want this place to be a place where you can get away from everything and really disconnect.
The most obvious choice is to rent an off-grid cabin or a house. However, this option is not always available.
So, what’s the second-best option?
Well, it’s to camp in the wilderness. This is something that I have done many times in the past, and it was great every single time.
If you’re thinking about going camping in the wilderness, then here are a few tips that might help you:
Camping spots are often located at least one mile from any road or human settlement. And this is exactly what you need to find if you want to go off the grid for a few days or weeks.
Make sure that your campsite has water nearby (at least 100 feet). You don’t want to walk for miles just to get water.
Here’s what you need to know, though:
Setting up a tent and going into the wilderness for the first time all alone isn’t the safest option out there. That’s why you might need to get some experience in hiking and camping first.
For this, you can try joining hiking tours or taking a survival course.
That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about getting lost or not being able to protect yourself.
5) Forget that technology exists
Now we’ll switch to the part that will help you realize the actual benefits of going off the grid.
I’m talking about getting rid of technology.
Yes, no one can deny that one of the easiest ways to go off the grid is to disconnect from technology. This includes avoiding the internet, TV, smartphones, and other types of technology.
In fact, all types of technology are the main reason why we feel like we’re constantly busy and stressed.
It might be hard to believe, but stepping away from technology is possible even today.
So, if you want to get rid of this feeling and live a more fulfilling life, then try disconnecting from technology for at least a few days.
Don’t bring your smartphone with you when going off the grid.
What’s more, if your smartphone has GPS tracking on it, then turn it off.
Also, don’t bring any other type of technology with you. For example, turn off your laptop, tablet, Kindle, and anything else that uses the internet.
The idea is that you need to survive completely without technology.
This is something that I did recently, and I can’t tell you how great it was!
I didn’t miss my phone at all while enjoying myself in nature. That’s why I consider avoiding technology the best part of going off the grid.
It’s something that will change your life and give you a new perspective.
And you know what?
After you return, you might even realize that the internet isn’t that important and you can live without it.
6) Pack enough supplies
Okay, you’re going to cut off the electricity entirely, but what about all the other things that we need?
Well, you need to bring supplies with you.
This includes food, water, and anything else you might need. You can’t survive without water and food. So, it’s important to pack enough supplies.
But how much should you bring?
Well, that depends on two things: the length of your trip and how long you’re going to stay there.
If you’re planning a short trip (for example, a day or two), then it’s not necessary to bring too much stuff. Just make sure that you have enough food for at least one day and enough water for drinking. This is more than enough for most people out there.
However, if you’re planning a longer trip (for example, more than two months), then it’s better to pack more stuff with you.
This means that there are many things that I like to have when I go off the grid: first aid kits, emergency kits, extra batteries, a good knife, and a first aid book.
Also, you might want to keep some tools in your vehicle. This includes things like a jack, a spare tire, and an air compressor.
So, make sure you have all your supplies ready before you leave, and that’s it; you’re ready to go.
7) Explore nature and enjoy the silence
Want to know what the best part of my trip a week ago was?
The silence.
This is something that I’ve missed a lot while going off the grid, and it’s something that you should try as well!
So try going off the grid by exploring nature.
With this approach, you can expect to spend a lot of time exploring forests, lakes, and rivers. You can also take the time to go on long walks through nature, which can be a great way to unwind and reset.
Not only does exploring nature have many health benefits, but it’s also a great way to completely disconnect from technology. Plus, it’s easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of planning.
The truth is that you can’t just live without technology and the internet for a long time, but you can also enjoy nature, silence, and being alone.
Besides, focusing on silence and enjoying nature can be a great way to become more mindful and learn how to slow down.
This can be a great way to completely unwind and forget about any stresses or worries that you have in your life.
Keep in mind that enjoying silence can be a difficult thing to do.
But trust me, it’s a rewarding experience once you get the hang of it.
One important thing to remember is that it takes time to master the skill of enjoying silence.
So, what can you do in order to enjoy the silence?
Try to disconnect your mind and keep your thoughts to a minimum.
You can also try meditating and doing yoga for a few minutes every day. That way, you’ll find ways to enjoy silence.
8) Recharge your mind and body
Regardless of your basic purpose, I bet that one of the reasons why you want to go off the grid is to relax and recharge your mind and body.
And I completely agree with you.
Honestly, I’ve been in a constant state of stress for the past few years, and it’s something that I’m trying to fix right now.
I’m trying to be more mindful of how my mind works and how it impacts me and the people around me.
This is something that can be very difficult to do, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Not only will this help you feel better, but it will also make you more productive and happier in general.
So, make sure to focus on recharging your mind with energy when you’re off the grid. For this, I recommend going on long walks, meditating, and doing yoga before you go off the grid to get prepared.
The result?
You’ll feel more relaxed, refreshed, and ready to make the most of your time off the grid.
This can be a great way to completely unwind and forget about any stresses or worries that you have in your life.
9) Reconnect with yourself and your environment
And the final step to feeling the impact of your time off the grid is to reconnect with yourself and your environment.
These days, it’s hard to find time to focus on your inner self and appreciate the things you have.
But you know what?
Being in touch with yourself and understanding the value of what you have is something that can help you realize the true value of your life.
And I completely agree with this because I’ve found that being in touch with myself and appreciating what I have leads me to feel more satisfied with my life.
So, if this sounds like something that will help you, then make sure to find ways to connect with yourself throughout your day and bring a positive mindset into your life.
You’ll feel much better about yourself once you do this!
This approach is great if you want to take the time to really slow down and appreciate the world around you.
You’ll find out what’s really important in your life, what it is that brings you joy, and what it is that makes you feel good about yourself.
And once you’ve found out these things, it will be much easier for you to find ways to make these things happen.
You just need to make sure that this process is done in a way that will help you enjoy the experience of being off the grid even more.
10) Make sure your family knows where you are going and when you’ll be back
Lastly, no matter how much you enjoy being on your own and how much you want to cut off all contact with the rest of the world, I highly recommend that you let your family know where you are going.
So, here’s what you should do:
Before going off the grid, tell your family where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
They should know what’s happening and how long this trip is going to take.
This way, they won’t worry about anything while you’re gone and can just enjoy themselves while waiting for your return.
Why?
First of all, this is important for your own safety. I mean, what if you encounter any danger along the way? What if you get hurt while you’re gone?
Your family is going to need to know where you are and when you’ll be back.
It’s absolutely important that they know what’s going on so they can check on you if something goes wrong.
Secondly, it’s also important for your family’s peace of mind. They should be able to enjoy their time off the grid and not worry about anything else.
People who care about you deserve to be informed about what’s happening in your life.
You should make sure that your family will be able to enjoy themselves while you’re gone and not worry about anything.
This way, they won’t worry about anything while you’re gone and can just enjoy themselves while waiting for your return.
They’ll feel better knowing that everything is okay, and they can rest easy while they wait for your safe return!
11) Making the most of your time off the grid
After you’ve covered all the steps I’ve mentioned above, it’s time to enjoy your time off the grid and make the most of it.
Want to know how I managed to enjoy my time off the grid?
I had the right mindset.
As easy as that.
I just knew that I had planned everything accordingly and that nothing could go wrong.
I mean, I had enough supplies, I warned everyone at work, and my family members knew where I was going and when I would be back.
So, you can be sure that nothing could go wrong and I would be fine.
I just knew that nothing bad could happen to me.
In other words, my mind was set on enjoying my time off the grid, and nothing could stop me from doing so!
That’s how I started enjoying the wildlife and focusing on myself all alone off the grid. This experience helped me find inner peace and focus on myself.
I wanted to enjoy every moment of this trip, and I didn’t want anything to interrupt me.
So, I made sure that nothing could stop me from enjoying my time off the grid.
And that’s how you should plan your gateway as well!
That way, you’ll feel better knowing that everything is okay, and you can focus on enjoying your time off the grid.
After all, it’s important to have fun while you’re on your own and just relax for a while!
Checklist to go off the grid for a few days
After providing this quick guide to planning your gateway, I want to give you a quick checklist of things to do before you go off the grid.
This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your time off the grid and not worry about anything.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure you have all your supplies ready before you leave (food, water, first aid kit, etc.).
- Plan ahead and make sure that everything is in order before going off the grid. This will help you minimize any problems or complications along the way.
- Learn how to survive in nature and how to live completely off the grid.
- Make use of free energy sources and alternative energy sources while living on a small budget (i.e., solar power, wind power, and water power).
- Make sure that everyone knows how long it will take for you to return (give them an idea of how far you are from home).
- If you have pets or kids at home, make sure they have someone to take care of them while you’re away.
- If you’re planning to use your phone or social media during your vacation, make sure that it’s totally charged before leaving so that it won’t die.
- Make sure that there is nothing that could interrupt your trip before leaving (check with your friends/family members for any last-minute needs).
- Get into shape and eat healthy foods before leaving to prepare your body.
- Prepare your mind as well and have the proper mindset to find inner peace and achieve your goals.
Final thoughts
All in all, if you’ve ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and quiet, going off the grid for a few days might be the perfect solution.
Disconnecting from the modern world and all its distractions can be incredibly rewarding and provide a much-needed break to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature.
As you can see, with the right preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy a few days of peace, and quiet, and a unique opportunity to get back in touch with the natural world.
Remember: no matter which approach you choose, make sure that you enjoy the experience and make the most of your time off the grid.
