A Miniseries To A Restful Weekend is my addition to Her Campus at FSU, where I share activities that I enjoy for a relaxing break. Whether it’s staying home and cooking, heading out with friends to see a movie, or having a fun weekend, I’ll share tips to feel more prepared and energized for the week ahead. These experiences are my way of helping you create the perfect, well-balanced, enjoyable weekend.
When feeling drained, connecting with others isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can become tiring — whether it’s using your computer or iPad for school or work, or checking messages on your phone. That’s why I crave a weekend escape, a perfect reset. My ideal weekend involves unplugging from technology, rewinding, and reconnecting with the big blue sky, fluffy clouds, and sunshine.
If this sounds like your idea of a restful weekend, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few ways I like to enjoy nature and recharge.
Reconnecting with nature
The main goal of a relaxing outdoor weekend is to reconnect — not just with nature, but with your inner self. One great activity is visiting a local botanical garden. For example, in Tallahassee, I love the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. It’s accessible with parking, restrooms, and walking paths, and a modest fee usually between $6 and $7, depending on the season. If you’re elsewhere, don’t worry, many towns have their own beautiful gardens.
For free options, local parks are perfect. You can do yoga, sit on a bench, or simply enjoy the scenery. My personal favorite is finding a shady spot under a tree to read and relax.
Gardening is another wonderful way to reconnect with nature. You don’t have to be a professional; you can even start a small garden on your apartment balcony or in your backyard. You’ll find joy in caring for plants.
Gentle movement
One of the best parts of outdoor activities is the freedom to move. I enjoy taking walks around my apartment complex or campus, listening to gentle, uplifting music, or sometimes just soaking in the fresh air without any soundtrack at all. For a light adventure, try a relaxing hike or a swim by a nearby beach. Breathing in the ocean air can do wonders for your stress levels.
Backyard Fun
Create the outdoor environment that suits your mood. If you have a backyard, lounge with a good book in a chair, draw or paint, or take a leisurely nap in a hammock hung between trees. In my own apartment, I love starting the day on my patio with a cup of tea, simply observing the world waking up.
Start a picnic in your backyard, barbecue outside, and invite a few friends or family over for a relaxing evening. Have a few of your favorite dishes on offer. You’re still engaging in outdoor activities, but with company.
Local Markets
Another favorite outdoor activity is visiting a local farmer’s market. In my hometown, every Sunday was spent browsing, tasting new foods, and chatting with vendors. I would sometimes buy things I didn’t need but loved anyway. Shopping at markets can be a great way to restock your fridge while enjoying some alone time, with a pair of headphones, and your thoughts.
Visit a U-Pick farm
Another activity to engage in is fruit picking, similar to farmers’ markets, but often much cheaper and commonly referred to as U-Pick or pick-your-own farms. Local farms will have their fields open where you can pick your own fresh, in-season produce. I usually visit these in the summertime, when my favorite fruits are in season: strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and mangoes.
These are just a few ideas for a relaxing outdoor weekend. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, that’s okay! Start small with one or two. You might discover new joys or find what truly relaxes you.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest!