Throughout my teenage and adult life, I’ve found nature and working within my community to be a great way to alleviate stress. Exercise can lead to a healthy heart and lessen anxiety due to gaining a higher-level of endorphins, and in the long run, help you feel better about you. Take your friends with or go solo. Some examples of how venturing into the great outdoors may help you with anxiety and stress:
By attending your local farmer’s market, you can make healthier food choices, which in turn will enhance your mood, increase your productivity, and regulate your weight.
Flying a kite. It is oddly soothing.
Enjoying sports outdoors, or maybe at your local YMCA; volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming
Taking dance classes; salsa, ballroom, jazz, ballet, or tap
Taking yoga, meditation, or mindful classes at your local parks and recreation department, community college, meetup. While outdoors practice deep breathing exercises.
Hiking, perhaps you make a weekend trip of it, or just revisit a local spot in your community.
Canoeing. While outdoors and paddling in the fresh air, practice deep breathing exercises. This will prove to be relaxing, keep your lungs healthy, as well as strengthen your sympathetic nervous system.
By Melissa Swaney, Anxiety In Teens Contributor