Written by Marisa Seager
As cliché as it might sound, spending time outside can serve as a form of therapy for people suffering from high levels of stress. If you too are struggling with stress, try one of these:
- Gardening
Even if you’re on campus, you can still participate in this one! Check out the Roanoke College Garden Club, @gardenclubrc on Instagram, if you’re interested. For those who are back at home, make a trip to your local stores and centers for all your planting needs.
- Let nature inspire you
Going outdoors can activate the creative side of your brain. So, grab a piece of paper, pencil, or whatever supplies you prefer, and work with whatever comes to mind. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a professional artist, it can still be freeing to express yourself this way.
- Hammocking
If you haven’t noticed by now, as soon as nicer weather begins, you will start to see Roanoke students lounging around in hammocks. It might be time for you to finally bite the bullet and purchase one of your own, so you too can relax in the community of our beautiful campus.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t appreciate a beautiful sunrise or sunset! Take reference to what times the sun rises and sets to make sure you’re outside in time to see it.
- Nature Photography
Instead of scrolling through your social media feeds, try taking some photos of your own. Photography can help you to see the world in an entirely new perspective. Who knows, you might even find yourself posting them to your own socials!
All of these are more than just a great pick-me-up, but also a calming way to take on the following: mood, anxiety, stress, and depression. So, maybe our mothers were right all this time… maybe we should just “go outside and play.”
(Featured Photo Credits: Marisa Seager)
