The weather is getting warmer, but for some people that doesn’t mean an increased desire to get out of the house. If you prefer to stay at home rather than going out on the town, here are some fun activities for spring that can help you relieve stress and boost your mood!
1. Plant a Garden
You don’t need a big yard and a green thumb to plant a garden. While those might help, you can still plant flowers, vegetables, and herbs in small spaces or indoors if necessary. To get started, head to a local nursery with information about how much space you have available and what you want to plant. If you want to eat what you grow, go with fruit and vegetable plants. If you prefer a more decorative garden, talk to the nursery employees about flowers and greenery that grow well in your area. Gardening also offers mental health benefits, including stress reduction and physical exercise. If you’ve never had a garden before, start slowly with a few plants and build over time as you learn how to care for your garden.
2. Create a “Travel” Reading List
Some people prefer to stay closer to home rather than planning exotic vacations but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the adventure that travel provides. Make a travel reading list with books that allow your imagination to run wild while you learn about places that you may (or may not) decide to visit.
3. Plan a Barbecue with Family or Friends
Warmer weather means you can fire up the barbecue and have a delicious meal outside in your backyard (although depending on where you live this may have to wait for late spring). Invite friends or family to bring side dishes and desserts, and add in a game night afterwards for some bonus fun and bonding time.
4. Play with Sidewalk Chalk
This one might sound like an activity just for kids, but adults can have plenty of fun with sidewalk chalk too. An article published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association showed that creating art can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Participants reported feeling relaxed and learning things about themselves while creating art, even if they weren’t particularly talented at it. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent like these sidewalk chalk artists.
5. Meditate
Meditation is one of the best ways to reduce stress. While you can do it inside, taking your meditation outdoors when the weather gets warmer can offer the extra benefits of fresh air and sunshine. You don’t need to build a special meditation garden, but having a place that is free of distractions can help.
6. Learn to Cook
Spring is also a great time to learn to cook. Whether you choose to invite friends over and have group cooking lessons, or just watch YouTube videos and get creative, cooking has therapeutic benefits to relieve stress. Plus it has a great payoff because you can eat your creative project when it’s done.
Spring weather brings longer days and a symbolic renewal and rebirth, making it the perfect time to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. The good news is there are plenty of things that provide rejuvenation without leaving the house. Try one of these activities today to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
