I’ve recently returned from another ‘Once in a Lifetime’ holiday to Peru. I'm making up for missing out on a few holidays in the past and making the most of the opportunities to get out and enjoy life.

Visiting a country like Peru - helps you put things in perspective and makes you realise how incredibly lucky we are to live where we do, with access to fresh, drinkable water, sanitation and electricity available 24 hours a day.

While much of the trip was spent in reasonable comfort, we did spend time in the rainforest, with limited water supply (it was the dry season), cold showers (refreshing!) and only two hours of electricity each evening to recharge mobile phones, camera batteries and access to wifi. You do need to be more organised and plan ahead when it's not available 24/7.

If you allow yourself, it’s blissful to be away from modern life for a few days. Surrounded by nature - getting up with sun and going to bed shortly after dark. Often because we had a few early starts to catch the best light and to avoid the mosquitoes!

We get so caught up in the modern world being ‘constantly connected’ 24 hours a day. Unable to leave our smartphones or avoid interruptions for more than a few hours.

It’s good to step back to a simpler existence and realise how much we take for granted - however much we might moan and complain about the stress in our lives.

Not only does it make you realise how little you actually ‘need’ but how less stressful it is when you have less to worry about or your time is spent focused on the moment, the stunning scenery or wildlife in front of you, learning something new, spending time with the people around you and time to think about what's really important.

My mobile was switched off. No TV. No news. I responded to a few emails, when we got wifi, those that needed a response - requests for articles, coaching enquiries. I pretty much left social media alone, except for the occasional Facebook update - how many photos of Machu Picchu do you really want to see?

After the Summer, it's a great time to take stock, look at where you are and shake things up a bit. If you’ve taken time out maybe you feel the same or perhaps you realise that something needs to change.

If you're looking to change, want to reduce your stress, make a positive impact in the next four months and find an easier, more balanced way of living - get in touch.