Need a Break? Head to the Woods!
Rebecka in the woods.
If you feel stressed and need some lasting relief, head to the woods. This weekend, my daughter Rebecka and I went on an excursion in the woods outside Decorah, IA. It was a beautiful day accompanied by the plethera of magical scents and sounds one can experience only in nature.
Deep breaths of fresh air, an elevated heart rate, gorgeous surroundings, and fun conversation all contributed to a more relaxed me.
If you don’t live/work close to a wooded area and need some stress relief, consider the following alternatives:
- Go for a walk outside. Walking helps relieve stress and clears the mind.
- Bike to work. I am starting to do this once a week. Any tension that was gone when I started pedaling is usually gone by the time I reach my destination.
- Wake up early and head out for a run. A good morning run provides energy for the rest of the day. It also helps relieve stress.
Most importantly, make sure to take frequent stress-relief breaks. You don’t want to wait until the stress builds up so much that you start to have health problems. Remember, a burned-out product manager doesn’t do anyone any good.
