Spring Activities that help with Mental Health

Happy Spring. I am happy that Spring has arrived. With that being said, there are some activities that you should consider to help with mental health. The thing about mental health that your moods and how you are feeling are changing all the time. With the changes in your mental health, it’s important to focus on many solutions, self help, and activities that can aid in getting you to a better place.

Outdoor Activities for Spring and Mental Wellness

I love getting outside. Nature has a way of helping boost your mood. Whether it be the sun, wind on your skin, or just fresh air getting outside is the first thing I think of when I consider a mental health boost. Consider taking multiple breaks outdoors while working to take a brisk walk. Getting outside for just 10-15 minutes is an instant help. Think about the times when you have been outdoors and felt a little better. Increase getting outdoors. Even on days when it rains, I take my umbrella and just walk and focus on the rain tapping my umbrella while I think, clear my mind, or simply pray or meditate. Here are other activities for the Spring:

• Camping/Glamping
• Potting new plants and flowers
• Take a hike
• Visit a Farmer’s Market-one of my favorites to do
• Food Truck Festival
• Drive through movie
• Visit a Vineyard
• Have an outdoor picnic
• Visit the Zoo
• See the Cherry Blossoms

Road Trips to Clear Minds

As a kid my parents would gas the car and pack snacks. We would take trips to other cities and explore. In Virginia we would go on ferries. I loved it. We would see many different people as we traveled overlooking the water was soothing. I love a good road trip. When I can’t take a road trip I run my errands and take the longest way while bumping my music or a podcast with the window down. Driving is fun to do at least for me. Road trips are about exploring the land and seeing the trees, mountains, and more. If you are like me here are a few things you want to consider:

• Map out a destination
• Gas the car before you leave
• Make sure you have money for the tools or an Easy Pass
• Pack some snacks
• Make a playlists for you or others in your car of music or podcasts

Farmer’s Market for Spring Activities

I am originally from Lancaster PA and Farmer’s Markets are all over the area. One of the things that I struggled with moving to Philadelphia was not feeling as I would find the same here. I have to admit they aren’t as prevalent as they are in Lancaster but they do exist. In Farmer’s Markets the fruits and vegetables are always fresh. The flowers always seem to be the prettiest and most colorful. In addition to flowers are always someone selling other goods like herbs, purses, and more. I like walking around and taking my time. Plus the cooked foods that are on sale are always so good. On Tuesdays I would go with my Dad or both of my parents and it was our weekly time together. As I had my first child I incorporated her into the dates too.

Hiking

A lot of people wouldn’t be surprised to know that I love to hike. I am an avid runner. Running is clearing for me too. Hiking is about stretching my body and mind. When a hiking trail is hard it gives me joy to see what my body can do to complete it. Be sure to wear the right shoes and the right clothing for the elements. Always have water and some reserve water and a few things like a first aid kit. Snacks should be things like jerky, nuts, fruit, and protein bars. Don’t forget a map and extra battery power and cords for a phone. Anything can happen so you want to prepared.

Not a Fan of the Outdoors

There are plenty of people who do not like to be outdoors for long periods of time. I live with a few of them. Whenever I do hikes I don’t take them with me. It’s best to meet people where they are. So for instance instead of a long hike I offer a walk in the neighborhood. If you have someone like my husband who gets hot, I make sure that we have his water fan with us. A water fan has a component to store water so that when pressed, the water mixes with the fan to mist him. We do not go anywhere from Spring until early Fall with him without it. This is to give him what he needs while we are out. Same goes to you for any activity that you do this Spring. Tailor make everything you do.

Find a partner or two that wants to join in. However if you don’t have someone to enjoy those solo moments, make it up in your mind that no friend or partner will stop you from enjoying what this world to offer.

As we continue in the Spring, I will continue to bring you more family, solo, and couple things to do. Enjoy this new season. Happy Spring!