School is back in session! This time of the year, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the work that seems to pile up too quickly to even take a break. While it is very important to stay on top of your work, it is also important to stop and take some time for yourself to stop and breathe. These activities could be the perfect fit for anyone, ranging from those who just want to take a few minutes or a few hours for themselves.Â
- Paint outsideÂ
Painting is an easy, carefree activity that can help you relax from the stress of everyday life. This is an activity that can be done either inside or outside, but you might find that a new place, perhaps in the great outdoors, will strike new creativity for your blank canvas.Â
- Find a local trail
A nice walk outside is also a great stress reliever and provides you with time to think. If you walk often, you may find that you recognize each porch, sidewalk, and mailbox you pass along the way. It may be nice to try and explore a new place with a walking path. This could lead you to find a new favorite spot in your local community. You could do this in silence and listen to the things around you or put on your favorite playlist to hype you up on your walk.Â
- Sketch leavesÂ
If you have never heard of sketching leaves, this fall could be a great time to try it for the first time! Often as a child, I would find a pretty leaf, put it in between a piece of paper and a hard surface, and color over it with a crayon or pencil. After doing this, you can see the intricate patterns and all the veins inside the leaf. This is a great way to see the beauty of nature that is right in front of us but often goes unrecognized.
- JournalÂ
With the constant noise of people, technology, and life, it can be hard to find some peace and quiet. It is important to seek some alone and quiet time. This can often be found outdoors, away from loud surroundings. Journaling is a great time to ponder and think about what is going on around you. While you journal, consider jotting down some things that you are grateful for in your life. This can help you keep a positive mindset.Â
- Go cloud watching and draw what you see with friends.Â
Instead of looking down at your phone, I encourage you to look up during the day and see the clouds above you. They can often resemble various objects and get your mind thinking creatively about what they resemble. It is especially fun to compare what the clouds look like with friends. You can commemorate this experience by drawing what you see or simply writing it down.
- Go stargazing
This next activity also requires you to look up from your screen and into the sky above. Something I have absolutely loved about living in Farmville for the school year is the amount of stars I am able to see in the skies. Since I am from a city, it is a rare occasion that I am able to spot multiple stars in the sky at home. This activity may be easier for some, but I encourage you to go to an area without light pollution on a clear night. Take a look up and be amazed by how many stars can fill the sky. No matter how many times I admire the stars, I am always surprised by the beauty of the night sky.Â
- Try a childhood activity.
As I was going through some of my old stuff the other day, I found two hula hoops that I used to play with when I was younger. Then, of course, I had to try and see if I could still hula hoop. I am sure my eight-year-old self would not be happy with my performance, but it made me think of all the activities I used to do as a child. I used to play outside a lot as a kid. Some activities that I may consider trying again would be drawing with sidewalk chalk, riding my bike, and jump roping. Trying these activities again could, perhaps, help you heal your inner child.Â
I hope you are able to try one or multiple of these activities this semester to take a break and relieve some stress. But most of all, I hope you have a good, productive semester!