Need a break? Here’s some suggestions
Spring is here, and the weather is changing fast! This is great news, because one of the best ways to relieve stress is to get outside and into the sunshine. Whether your stress is from work, school, relationships or anything in-between, it’s good to remember the importance of managing stress and grounding ourselves in the outdoors. What you choose to do outside doesn’t need to be complex, but the act of being in nature can reduce stress in minutes.
Research shows that muscle tension and blood pressure all decrease when outdoors 1. In addition, our dopamine production and endorphin levels also rise, creating that happy feeling we all look for in those dark and winter months. Lastly, being outdoors also boosts our immune responses2.
With these added benefits, it is hard to think of a reason not to go outside!
If you need help brainstorming ways to take a break, here are 20 activities to do outside!
Have a picnic
Go for a hike
Have a bonfire
Go for a bike ride
Eat on a patio with friends
Paint (or any type of art activity) outdoors
Throw a ball around with a friend
Plant flowers or trees
Find a festival or fair to go to
Read a book outside
Go for a walk
Find a farmers market
Pick a bouquet of flowers for your house
Draw with chalk on your side walk
Take photos of nature
Lay on the ground and watch the clouds
Go rock-skipping at the beach/lake
Meditate
Go for a run
Lay on the grass and listen to some music
References
Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis. Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947–3955. https://doi.org/10.1021/es903183r
The Relationship Between Trees & Human Health | California ReLeaf. (2023). Californiareleaf.org. https://californiareleaf.org/resources/the-relationship-between-trees-human-health/
