If you’re anything like me, waking up in a residence hall or apartment, traveling to and from classes, and seeing the same surroundings every day can feel repetitive and uninspiring. When your schedule is the same every week, even the most beautiful college campus can feel claustrophobic. As the school year progresses, it becomes even more crucial to stay positive and motivated as stress builds. My favorite thing to do when I need to boost my mood and restore motivation is connect with nature, and there are many ways to realistically work this into your schedule.
Connecting with nature has been linked to positive effects on mental health and happiness for decades. This research was further supported during the pandemic, when nature was one of the number one ways people were able to cope with significant life changes.
The first way to incorporate connecting with nature into your regular schedule is by going to a park. There are many options for this, including on GCU’s campus and nearby, where you can sit in the grass, listen to birds in the trees, and feel the breeze. Some parks in the area, like Papago Park and Glendale Heroes Regional Park, have beautiful ponds and lakes that are perfect for having a picnic or journaling. Even a few hours spent in nature can drastically improve your mood and help you take a break from the school mindset.
Another way to connect with nature throughout your school week is by going on a hike. There are many trails near GCU, and these vary in difficulty from gentle walks to challenging climbs. A few hikes nearby are Hole in the Rock, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and Pinnacle Peak. Hiking is a great way to grab some friends, get into nature, and incorporate physical activity into your schedule. With the plethora of trails in the area, there is a variety of hikes and levels of difficulty to choose from.
If you have a little extra time, another way to get out in nature is to take a mini road trip. Whether you want to go by yourself or carpool with friends, many destinations within reasonable distance provide a beautiful and refreshing change of scenery. Some of the most popular getaways from the Phoenix area are Flagstaff and Sedona, which are about a two-hour drive from campus and are perfect for a day trip, overnight, or weekend getaway. And of course, you can always take the iconic trips to the Grand Canyon, Edge of the World, or Horseshoe Bend for breathtaking views. Exploring a new place provides a sense of adventure and a change of pace that can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. These destinations also have great campsites, so you can always grab a tent or sleep in the car if you want to extend your time in nature.
If you’re feeling stressed, discouraged, or in need of a new adventure, these are realistic ways to make getting into nature part of your regular schedule. Prioritizing spending time in nature and experiencing it with loved ones is an incredibly worthwhile use of time, and I hope you’ll incorporate it into your life.