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. 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 responses. 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!

1. Have a picnic

2. Go for a hike

3. Have a bonfire

4. Go for a bike ride

5. Eat on a patio with friends

6. Paint (or any type of art activity) outdoors

7. Throw a ball around with a friend

8. Plant flowers or trees

9. Find a festival or fair to go to

10. Read a book outside

11. Go for a walk

12. Find a farmers market

13. Pick a bouquet of flowers for your house

14. Draw with chalk on your side walk

15. Take photos of nature

16. Lay on the ground and watch the clouds

17. Go rock-skipping at the beach/lake

18. Meditate 

19. Go for a run

20. Lay on the grass and listen to some music

    
    

    References

21. 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

22. The Relationship Between Trees & Human Health | California ReLeaf. (2023). Californiareleaf.org. https://californiareleaf.org/resources/the-relationship-between-trees-human-health/