Finding moments for fun and relaxation isn't self-indulgent. Excessive stress can affect our physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking breaks and finding things to do for stress relief is important.
I've listed some fun activities to release stress, categorized by the time of year. Many of these pastimes can be enjoyed in any season. It's not about what you do to relax and restore your energy; it's about making sure you carve out time to do so!
Winter
When the nights get longer and the weather gets cold, it's the perfect time to slow down and enjoy some much-needed me time. Here are some winter activities for stress:
Make a pot of soothing herbal tea and sip slowly while you listen to relaxing music
Put on some cozy clothes and curl up on the couch with a good book
Go for a winter wonderland walk! It's still important to get fresh air even during the colder months.
Try ice skating, sledding, snowboarding, skiing, or snowshoeing. Having a winter hobby helps the colder months fly by!
Try knitting, crocheting, or needlepoint
Take a vacation someplace warm. Sitting by the beach for even a few days can give you the strength you need to make it through the rest of winter.
Take a hot yoga class
Light some candles and take a long, hot bath
Spring
Many of us feel rejuvenated when spring rolls around. However, it's also a busy time when our calendars start to fill up with social events. Here are some activities to release stress during this at-times hectic phase of the year:
Take a bike ride
Experiment with gardening or buy a new plant to brighten up your home
Go for a hike
Treat yourself to a spa day, a massage, a manicure, or a nice haircut
Try a new restaurant in your area
If you find organizing relaxing, spring is a great time to do so! Purge your space of things you're no longer using by donating them.
Picnic in a park with a friend
Take a painting, pottery, or cooking class
Summer
When Summer finally rolls around, relaxation is at the forefront of all our minds! Yet, our obligations and responsibilities don't go away. Here are some things to do for stress relief to make sure you make the best of this special time of year:
Spend a day by the ocean, a river, or a lake
Try something adventurous like skydiving or ziplining
Go kayaking, canoeing, or tubing
Go fishing
Visit your local farmer's market
Have a barbecue with friends
Rent jet skis, paddleboards, or wave runners
Read a book or journal outside with some freshly brewed iced tea
Go camping and sit by a warm fire
Stargaze
Go to an outdoor live concert, fireworks show, or sporting event
Autumn
Fall is a cozy but busy time of year. Here are some things to do for stress relief when the leaves start to change:
Take a walk through a park with a hot beverage
Go apple picking
Take a hike to enjoy the fall foliage
Visit a pumpkin patch
Enjoy seasonal treats such as stewed apples or a pumpkin spice latte
Decorate your home or office with fall decor
Journal about things you are grateful for
Try a craft such as scrapbooking, collage making, or pumpkin painting
Final Thoughts
No matter the season or what's going on in our lives, we all need to make time to relax and unwind. If stress is a consistent problem in your life, schedule a complimentary breakthrough call with me today. We'll identify your personal stressors and devise a plan to help you cope so you can move through life with more joy and ease.
