Summer Activities to Help Manage Stress

Dog
Days of Summer Getting to You? Manage Your Stress with These 8 Activities!

Summer is often viewed as a time of
leisure; a chance to soak up the sun and enjoy all the unique amenities New
York has to offer. But the favorable weather also comes with an influx of
things to do. Between all the barbecues, graduation parties, weddings,
reunions, and other events, we know the summer months can become overwhelming.

The good news is there are plenty of
things you can do to recharge during a New York summer! We’ve made a list of
the top eight summer activities to help you manage stress amidst all the commotion of the
season. Continue reading to learn about our summer self-care tips!

Hiking

Hiking the great outdoors is a proven
means of boosting your mood. Between the exercise and the beautiful scenery,
hiking is a great way to stay in touch with nature while remaining active.
Walking in a natural environment has greater effects for stress relief than
walking in an urban setting. A stroll at a comfortable walking pace promotes
relaxation, while faster-paced walking is known to improve your mental
alertness, energy, and mood. Enjoy the many sights, sounds, and smells that
nature has to offer by visiting a hiking trail near you. You’ll be sure to leave
feeling at ease and ready for whatever life throws at you next!

Watersports

Watersports are another active way to
reduce stress in the summer! While being in the water provides a relaxing
atmosphere, the exercise that comes along with watersports also helps you
manage stress. Swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, and surfing are just a few
examples of the long list of watersports that help you get moving and get those
endorphins flowing. Watersports can help you stay present to fully enjoy nature
while also getting a workout in. Fun
Fact: The oldest watersport recorded is diving.

Reading Outdoors

If you’re looking for a more relaxing
activity, enter the world of your favorite novel while sitting out in the sun!
Whether you set up a hammock or sit out on the porch, sitting outside and
reading is one of the best ways to help reduce your stress. Spending time in
nature, combined with reading, can ease the tension in your muscles and lower
your heart rate. When you open a book, your brain enters a whole new
world and gives yourself a much-needed break!

Yoga

While yoga is fun and calming, it also
enhances your mood and overall sense of well-being. For a calmer experience,
take your yoga outdoors to soak in the sunshine and get some fresh air. Yoga
encourages deep breaths, allowing more fresh air and oxygen to reach the brain which
clears your mind and reduces depression. Laughter yoga is a fun option to help
relieve stress by performing normal yoga exercises while involving
laughter-activities. Another great option is goat yoga, which brings a further
sense of relaxation when surrounded by cute goats that will motivate you to
smile.

Fishing

Whether you’re venturing out by yourself
or with friends and family, fishing can be a great way to relieve your stress. Fishing forces you to slow down and enjoy your
surroundings while improving your concentration and patience. A regular
exposure to nature helps keep your mind distracted from stressful thoughts. Fun Fact: People who consume fish have
a lower depression rate than people who do not consume fish.

Camping

It doesn’t matter if you stay in a tent,
cabin, or camper, you might be amazed at how you feel when you get away from
the busyness of life. Leaving the stress behind from everyday life and taking a
break from reality can help you clear your mind and provide you with emotional
rest. Once you unplug and take a break from your phone and computer, you may be
amazed how quickly you feel relaxed!

Picnic

Spending time with your favorite people
over a picnic is a good way to reframe your perspective and reign in stress.
Eating your favorite foods while enjoying face-to-face
communication can be a good way to put some breathing room between thoughts and
your to-do list. Try reducing stress by enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and a
pretty view while
having a good time with your friends over a picnic.

Spend Time with Your Pets

The excitement your pet has to see you should always put a smile
on your face! Interacting with animals is an easy and fun way to decrease
levels of cortisol and lower blood pressure. Whether you’re playing fetch
with your dog or petting your cat, pets can keep your body active and your mind
happy. Fun Fact: Amongst the most
popular mental self-care activities, spending time with your pet was second to
reading.