As I sit down to write this article, I hear a Taylor Swift song playing in the distance with at least a couple dozen voices chiming in to sing the words. I know something fun is happening at the pool, and I don’t want to miss out. I need to see, and feel, the energy of the group. I walk over to find about 40 people of varying ages in the pool, many with costumes on, loudly singing, dancing, and splashing about.
Our family has been attending UC Berkeley’s Lair of the Bear family camp for nearly ten years with a group of friends. It’s been a tradition that we have looked forward to each summer. As the kids became older teens, we stopped going.
When my daughter decided to become a staffer (a counselor who works at the camp) this summer, we wanted to relive the experience too. So here we are, in Pinecrest California, living the good life in the High Sierras. Nothing fancy, in fact it is extraordinarily basic. Its old school vibe is what makes it priceless. This is the Lair experience.
As my studies and work continue to take me deeper into the science of wellbeing, I realize the ingredients that make up the Lair are the same ingredients that make a life worth living.
No wonder we look forward to the experience, and when we return, continue to feel the positive emotions as we recall fun stories and pour over the photos.
There are key elements that make this summer camp so incredible for mind, body, and spirit. These same key elements are evidence-based and well researched by experts in the field of Positive Psychology.
While having a week away from day-to-day life sets the stage for a powerful wellbeing tune up, you don’t need to go far (or even check out of life completely) to enjoy some of the Lair benefits. In fact, it’s important to refuel ourselves regularly and avoid rolling into vacation on empty.
Below you’ll find some of the ingredients that create the Lair magic, and five at-home DIY’s you can experiment with when leaving town for a week just isn’t an option. For an at-home mood boost, pick a Lair experience from the chart and mimic it with the DIY suggestions. The active ingredient is built-in, so relax and enjoy the moment. To learn more about the importance of the active ingredient, just click the link for additional reading or viewing.
| Lair Experience | DIY Experiment | Active Ingredient |
| Living in nature | Spend time in a local park or take a hike to get away from the hustle bustle of life. | Awe in nature |
| Savoring the Lair before, during, and after camp |
Plan an activity in the future that you can daydream about and build up excitement. When doing the activity, pay attention to all your senses as you enjoy every detail. After the activity, share photos and stories about the experience with friends to recreate the good feelings in your mind and body. |
Savoring |
| Laughing, playing, and acting goofy without ANY electronics | Unplug and let loose! Play a game that makes you laugh with family or friends, have a spontaneous dance party, sing at the top of your lungs. | Play/laughter |
| Gathering with old and new friends and shooting the breeze about everything and nothing! | Make time to connect with people who fill your bucket. Even a quick call with an old friend can give you a dose of oxytocin. | HQC/relationships |
| Being present in the moment and losing the sense of time |
Clear your calendar and take a long walk without your phone or watch.
Get lost wherever you are as you take in the sounds, smells and feels of things that you pass along your way. |
Mindfulness |
Check out my webinar on “3 Simple Things You Can Do To Create The Best Day Possible” for more ideas for sprinkling replenishment throughout your day.
