Relaxing Outdoor Activities for Your Mental Health
With the weather finally warming after North Texas’ chilly winter, many local residents are deciding it’s time to head back outside! Whether you trust the Groundhog Day prediction (6 more weeks of winter?!) or Texas’ Armadillo Day forecast (an early spring!), it’s not too early to plan ahead for your sunny outdoor activities.
At Wellspring Counseling Center, we understand that it may be difficult to jump back into your routine after the dark Winter months. This is why we’ve compiled a list of low-stress outdoor activities for you to try as you settle into your new routine. Explore fun, relaxing outdoor activities and schedule a visit today with Wellspring Counseling Center to get started with our affordable in-person and online counseling services.
Walking
It’s a classic for a reason! Taking a stroll around the block or driving down to a nice park or trail near you can be a great way to ease into an outdoor activity. Walking can help you relax in a low-effort way while remaining active enough to keep you energized throughout the rest of your day. Try going out for a quick 5 or 10-minute stroll when you get home from work, or call up your friends or family to spend some quality outside time together.
Picnics
Going out for a picnic is a great weekend activity for those wanting to make everyday life a bit more special. Prepare your favorite finger foods and gather your favorite people for an outdoor breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is this a way to get outside, but it also incorporates a social event that brings together your friends and family.
Outdoor Yoga
If you’re looking for a way to practice mindfulness while still getting outside, then outdoor yoga is for you. Just grab a mat and follow along with your favorite yoga video, or join an outdoor yoga group to work out alongside others. If joining a group sounds overwhelming, you can always start by calling some trusted friends to join you. Starting your day off with sunrise yoga or winding down your day with sunset yoga is a great way to set some time aside for relaxation.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a fun new activity to try as the winter months taper down! While you might not have considered it, there are countless birds that will visit your backyard this spring with even more around our local parks and nature preserves. Birdwatching is a great outdoor hobby that can be as active or low-effort as you want it to be. Whether you choose to take some binoculars along on your weekend hikes, or you just take a few minutes to sit on your back porch and watch for colorful creatures, birdwatching may just become your new favorite pastime.
Swimming
For those wanting something active to do, swimming can be a great spring or summer hobby. Swimming is an enjoyable recreational activity that can take up as much or as little of your time as you choose. You can cool off in your neighborhood pool or even join a gym with an outdoor pool to start a new exercise routine. Just remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself against the Texas sun!
Stargazing
Are you looking for a calming way to unwind after a long day? Stargazing is perfect for our night owl friends who want to take some time away from their screens before bed. If you live in a darker area, you can simply step out into your backyard and look up at the sky to start gazing. For those in brightly lit areas, you can turn stargazing into a fun adventure with friends by driving out to a park or nearby field. You can even learn something new or start a new hobby by looking for constellations or memorizing the names of certain stars. You might even catch a glimpse of a shooting star or satellite flying by!
Brainstorm Relaxing Activities with Our Licensed Counselors
Our Wellspring Counseling Center counselors are here for you, whether you’re looking for family counseling services, or just trying to find some low-stress activities to help you manage your mental health symptoms. If you’ve found an activity you like, or want to brainstorm other activities personalized to your likes, then contact us today to schedule an in-person or online counseling appointment with our Wellspring Plano counselors.
Explore Our Online Counseling Services
At Wellspring, we strive to create a safe space to match all our clients’ needs. We offer a variety of services including family counseling, relationship counseling, child counseling, divorce recovery support, and much more. Explore our services today and contact us to schedule an affordable counseling session.
Visit our website and read more of our blogs at our Plano counseling site. Wellspring Counseling Center in Plano, TX provides affordable counseling for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.
Reach us at 972-423-4506 ext. 155 with any questions or to book a counseling session with one of our licensed counselors. Learn more about our affordable in-person or online counseling today!