For many of us, the stress of daily life can be overwhelming at times. You might have a demanding schedule, or a job that requires a long commute; you might be worried about whether you spend enough time with your children and how to stretch your days to allow for more time to get everything done.
You’re not alone. Many Americans feel pulled in several directions at once these days, and it can induce stress, anxiety, and even depression. Blue Cross Blue Shield notes that when your mental health drops, so does your physical health, until you’re feeling run-down and unable to keep up with even the most basic chores. These issues can even lead to substance misuse or exacerbate existing issues.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can get “me time” to get a mental health boost just by spending time outdoors or visiting some of the beautiful natural or historic sites in your region. What’s more, you can do many of these things with your loved ones, allowing you to spend time with them when you need it the most. Here are a few ideas about where to go.
Get a feel for history
There are parks, museums, and re-enactment sites for those fascinated by history. Check out places where you can see how people lived in earlier times. Immersing yourself in another day and time can provide a welcome shift in perspective.
Rent a boat
Even if you aren’t near the coast, there are often waterways that are great for boating, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which are often surrounded by plenty of interesting beaches, lighthouses, scenic views, and shops. You can rent a boat or take out your own and enjoy an afternoon on the water with your friends or family.
Rent a cabin
There are few things more relaxing than a cabin in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty to choose from in state and national parks, but don’t overlook the possibilities of private cabin rentals. Often these are in wooded areas that are great for hiking and exploring. Some even have waterfalls nearby. Check out this list of places where you can retreat; just be sure to think about what time of year you’ll be going and what the weather will be like, as some of these destinations are better suited for either summer or winter.
Take in some art
Enjoying art and culture can do wonders for your mood, so look for art museums in your region, whether big or small. Are you longing to visit a good-sized city museum or is something small and specialized more appealing? Remember to include galleries, art festivals, and live demonstrations in your list of art resources.
Look into cities with multiple attractions within walking distance of one another. These places will tend to have high walk scores, which means that they’re pedestrian friendly. You’ll love exploring all over town in one of these cities while getting your steps in.
Get into nature
While state and national parks offer a variety of gorgeous nature trails, historic sites, and interesting places to choose from when you want to get outside, another good option is a botanical garden. You can see a huge selection of flowers and plants and possibly even catch a music show or two. The American Horticultural Society offers a reciprocal admissions program, and once you join, your admission to 345 gardens is covered, so you might want to visit more than one.
If you want some company on your time away, consider reconnecting with a former school mate. Though you may have lost touch over the years, online resources make it easy to look up old friends and reach out. You’ll both have a great time catching up and enjoying each other’s company.
Taking care of your mental health is essential, and with a bit of research, meaningful visits to rejuvenating places are possible. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either, as long as you know where to look. You could even opt for a staycation and engage in some R&R at home; just be sure your living space is free of stressors like clutter so the atmosphere is conducive to a peaceful time away from the ordinary. Get into the habit of engaging in the activities that make you feel most relaxed and happy in order to prevent stress and learn how to cope with it.
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