The lessons I learned from my 20 days in Antarctica

I have traveled the world as a luxury advisor but after spending twenty days in AntarcticaI came home from the frozen continent with many profound insights that were more valuable than a passport stamp. Here are five life lessons that I learned on the frozen continent—and how you can experience them for yourself.

Savor every Moment

Antarctica offers the perfect opportunity to slow down. After arriving, I completely disconnected from the internet and only used a camera with proper settings to take photos. I wanted to see everything in front of my eyes: the amazing blue of the icebergs, the breaching humpbacks, and even the peaceful delight of a warm shower after sleeping on the ice. You should do the same. Unplug and keep a diary. Celebrate little pleasures, such as sipping champagne on a Zodiac boat in crystal glasses. The act of enjoying an experience mindfully can increase our happiness, according to research.

Your problems are much smaller than you thought

Nothing compares to standing on ice, in the middle of thousands of miles untouched wilderness. The vastness of the landscape makes stress seem trivial. Antarctica is over 35 million years old, so let your inbox wait. If you choose to fly in or cross the border, it is worth considering. Drake PassageYou can choose to go the hybrid route or take a more traditional one. The mere act of getting there will change your perspective. 

Happiness Isn’t Always Loud — Sometimes It’s Flow

South Georgia Island featured on my itinerary. When I arrived, the Zodiac boat was already parked and I had to step off into a different world. I could see penguins swimming in the ocean, I could hear the wind howling, and it was as if I were the novelty these animals came to see. At that moment, I was fully immersed—no past or future, just deep presence. The state of deep presence is what’s known as The flow of the flowIt brings a quiet pleasure that lasts long after the trip is over. South Georgia will not disappoint. You can’t duplicate the emotional richness of South Georgia.

You are capable of more than you think

A year after my major injury, I flew to Antarctica for a mountaineering adventure from Cape Town. I was nervous at first, but learned to use crampons safely, how to rappel and how cross glaciers. That experience rebuilt my sense of self-efficacy—the belief that we can do hard things. Since then, I have summited Grand Teton and earned a Master’s degree in positive psychology. I even changed my business so that it focuses on travel as a way to achieve well-being. White Desert’s Echo Camp is a great place to test your limits. It offers both comfort and challenge.

Perspective is Everything

Nature and the weather are in charge of Antarctica. Living with uncertainty like this reminded me how little we control—and how that can ultimately feel liberating. Accepting that you can’t control everything in your career and day-to-day is a powerful way to feel empowered. 

Antarctica can be a life-changing experience. With a little planning, you’ll learn lessons that will last long after you return home.

Sarah Groen It is not a member Travel + Leisure’s A-List And specializes in trips into the polar regions. Groen can help you create your own itinerary. [email protected].