We’re all so busy these days, it can be tough to find moments to take care of ourselves and get moving. Recreation (noun: activity done for enjoyment when one is not working) and self-care go hand-in-hand, and have the power to turn our days around, help us destress, and make us happier!
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to do anything too intense or time-consuming to reap the benefits of self-care and recreation! Read on for our favorite ways to fit these practices into the day:
- Take your morning latte outside! Starting your day with a delicious beverage is a sweet self-care moment and a staple in our routines, but we love to take it even further by simply stepping onto your porch. Whether you’re sipping on superfood coffee, matcha, or something herbal, getting some fresh air and sunshine first thing in the morning helps us wake up, destress, and produce much-needed Vitamin D!
- Stretch breaks! Especially if you work from a desk, it can be hard to feel like you’re fitting enough movement into your day. We know it’s tough to peel yourself away from this email chain or that impending deadline, but setting a reminder each hour to stand up and do a few minutes of gentle stretching can truly change your day!
- Post-work walk! As far as types of exercise go, walking can be underrated, but studies show it can actually help build up our brains more than other forms of movement. Even if you only have 5 minutes, decompressing with a walk (and a Destress Ade!) can majorly help us unwind, get back into our bodies, and reset from work mode. Bonus points if you have a furry friend to take with you!
- Hit the park! Exposure to nature can work wonders: “From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, and better mood,” according to the American Psychological Association. Even if you live in a busy city, bee-line to your nearest green space for an anti-anxiety mood boost!