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.