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Summer is here. The weather is warm, folks can spend more time outside and some people have a few months off work or school. Still, the stress of everyday life can feel inescapable.
Try these self-care activities to relish this summer more than ever.
1. Journaling
Journaling is a quick and easy way to release your feelings. You can keep a digital or physical journal — whatever is easiest for you. Remember to be honest with yourself, and you may feel that stress start melting away.
2. Meditating
Meditation allows you to remain wholly in the moment, focusing on your breathing and letting worrisome thoughts pass by. Once you learn how to meditate, you can manage your stress at any time of day, even by just taking a few minutes to sit with yourself. It’s a worthwhile activity that can make a huge difference.
3. Painting
Painting is one of the first things that comes to mind when people think of hobbies and activities that relieve stress. Whether you prefer abstract art or following the numbers, painting is sure to give you a result you can be proud of. Sometimes, it’s nice just to get all your feelings out on the canvas.
4. Exercising
Exercising is a quick way to tell stress hormones to cool it, as it improves mental and physical health. Workouts of all kinds will benefit you in several ways. You will strengthen your heart and lungs, boost your balance and lose weight in the process.
5. Learning A Sport
Playing a sport with your loved ones can relieve stress and make you feel good, especially when you secure a win for yourself or your team. Plenty of activities are beginner-friendly, so you shouldn’t have to worry about a learning curve. After all, it’s all about having fun.
6. Sewing
Learning to sew can help you create your own projects and save clothes you already own. Instead of throwing out old items that need repairs, you can patch them up and fix holes yourself. You can also learn to sew clothing for costumes or daily wear. Soon, taking a trip to a craft store will be an exciting adventure for you.
7. Complimenting
Complimenting may seem like a weird activity, especially since you don’t do it all at once, but it’s fun to put into practice. Show the people around you that you appreciate them by paying them heartfelt compliments. It could change how you see them and even transform how they feel about themselves.
8. Singing
Singing can be soothing, but it can also be energizing and help you feel powerful. The act of singing releases the same endorphins you would see after exercising or playing a sport, making it unique and accessible to everyone. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a good singer, you can sing to yourself or belt out a tune when alone in the car.
9. Knitting
Knitting is another therapeutic activity that gives you a final product you can wear. You can choose to make accessories or full items of clothing. If you start now, you can take your knitting projects at a leisurely pace and have gloves, hats and scarves made for your family and friends when winter rolls around.
10. Nail Decorating
Getting used to nail design takes a while, especially if you’ve never done something so precise. Still, some tools can help you learn how to paint and decorate your nails for far less cost than getting them done at a salon. You’ll become a pro with enough practice and can do it yourself easily.
11. Learning Music
If you’ve never learned an instrument, maybe this summer can change that. Committing to playing music is a big task, so you want to ensure you follow through on practicing whenever you can. You can play more complicated songs once you grasp the basics.
12. Reading
Reading can ease your tension and allow you to escape to another world, free of your usual worries. Whether you love romance or prefer long-winded essays, reading something you enjoy every day should help you feel lighter.
13. Writing
If reading isn’t enough for you, try your hand at writing. You can create a fictional world and get lost in it, developing characters and enacting plotlines as you see fit. You can also try poetry if you’re fond of the craft more than the characters. Once you start writing, you may not want to stop.
14. Cooking
Cooking and baking are great activities to turn your mind off, especially since all you need to do is follow a recipe. Make sure to stay safe in the kitchen. After practicing, you should whip up several things you and your loved ones can enjoy.
15. Playing Games
Video games can serve as an escape for many people. Even violent games, which some people say to avoid, can help players relieve stress and feel less depressed after a stressful task or event. Knowing that you can play whatever game is on your mind to relieve stress is a game-changer. Bonus points if you get to play with friends!
Try These Activities for a Stress-Free Summer
Summertime is supposed to be light-hearted and help you feel freer than the rest of the year. The sun is out longer, so many people see their symptoms of seasonal affective disorder wane. Trying these therapeutic activities is a great way to make the most of your summer and eliminate some extra tension.
About The Author:
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!
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