These Summertime Activities Will Zap Your Stress In No Time

Summer may be one of the busiest times of the year with vacations and holiday weekends, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a little room for relaxation. What better way to take advantage of the warmer climate than escaping the indoors? There are many health advantages to spending more time outside. In fact, simply having access to a green space can help you to de-stress considerably.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few ways to unwind in the great outdoors. They’re the perfect activities for when things start to get a little bit hectic. Give one of them a try the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed — you can thank yourself later.

Eat a Slice of Watermelon
Move over, chocolate. Although the sweet treat is known for potentially containing stress-reducing properties, there may be a healthier option. A 2014 study from Florida State University found that snacking on watermelon could help lower blood pressure in overweight individuals. Watermelon also contains lycopene, which could possibly decrease stress.

Walk in the Park
Taking a 30-minute stroll through the park can shift your mind into a state of zen. Recent research in the U.K. found that walking through green spaces can help put the brain into a state of meditation.

Taking a walk can also boost your mood by lowering stress and depression as well as by improving well-being.

Try Some Outdoor Yoga
Yoga can be an effective stress reliever, and you can make your practice even more relaxing during the summer by moving outside. Bring your mat to a park on a quiet morning and practice these stress-busting yoga moves, or find a local “Yoga in the Park” class.