Staying cooped up sitting on your butt, staring at a computer or reading a book for hours at a time, living under unnatural light and sleeping at any odd hour you might have free can really be taxing. It is so important for your mind and body to relieve the stress that can cause so many issues.
Unlike our east coast counter parts, who right about now are bundled up by a fire confined to the indoors by the frightening weather, we Cal Poly students are incredibly fortunate to have the great outdoors as an outlet. Yes, having such gorgeous California weather can make it difficult to focus, but use the outdoor possibilities as motivation to get your work done and celebrate a hard day’s work outside!
I could go on and on about the benefits of getting outside. When it comes to being stressed out, there is really nothing better for you. For many people high levels of stress come with sleep deprivation, change in diet and depression. According to an article in Men’s Journal Online, sunshine provides “…an instant endorphin surge and drop in blood pressure, regulation of hunger hormones that may help you keep weight off, and key vitamin D…” Aka get outside and lift your spirits!
In San Luis Obispo, there are so many options for various levels of outdoor physical activity that will benefit you even more! According to an article from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Online, “Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, and at enhancing overall cognitive function.” So if you’ve been at it for hours and feel like you are in a rut, take an hour break and get some fresh air and exercise then come back to it. You’ll do your mind and body a favor and be ready to focus when you get back to your studies.
Here are a few things you lucky Cal Poly students have the opportunity to do to lower those stress levels!
Hike: Uhm hello?? Have you LOOKED out the library window in the past couple hours? Stunning mountains and gorgeous trails surround us. From Bishops Peak to Madonna Mountain to Johnson trail, the hiking possibilities are seemingly endless. Not sure which one is right for you? Download the app AllTrails. It is a hiking and biking app with information about trails all around the world that includes distance, average amount of time it takes, GPS location throughout your hike and ratings and reviews from other users who have taken the hike! Not sure if you have time to leave campus and go on a hike? Take an easier, quicker option and walk to Cal Poly’s Architecture Graveyard. This is an incredible collection of the architecture senior projects from years past.
Sycamore Mineral Springs: What is better for relieving stress-induced aches and kinks than soaking your sorrows away in a hot tub? For $10 a person you can spend an hour in one of Sycamore Mineral Spring’s private hot tubs. Most have a two-person capacity and are private, quiet and surrounded by gorgeous lush forest and beautiful hills. Naturally heated and filled with naturally occurring minerals that support bone strength, brain activity, blood pressure, healthy skin and toxin elimination to name a few, these baths do more for you than just help you relax. Sneak away for an hour a week to the Sycamore Mineral Springs and you’ll notice the immediate and long-term benefits.
Go to the Beach! With gorgeous views and the soothing sound of the ocean, beaches are an iconic place to unravel. A couple hours lying on the beach, swimming or walking along the water can do wonders for your body and spirit. According to an article in Medical Daily online, swimming in the ocean “is linked to decreased stress and increased sense of well-being; studies have shown swimming and water-based exercise help to decrease anxiety and depression.” The ocean has tons of therapeutic and healing properties with dozens of beneficial minerals. Connect with the earth by walking barefoot on the sand and stimulating the nerve endings in your feet that don’t get nearly as much action inside your shoes.
Take advantage of the brilliant place you live and get outside! If you’re studying for an exam, writing a paper or working on a tedious lab, remember that we are only human and that our physical and mental health must come first.