My enchantment with the outdoors began when I was a kid. My mom and dad would schlep the family to Muskoka each summer. Despite my brother and I inevitably getting into a fight over back-seat territory encroachments, we always got excited when the roads got smaller and the cliffs higher, as this meant we were getting closer. Closer to the dock where we would take a water taxi to our little private island and log cottage on it. Closer to playing chess while watching boats zoom by, outdoor adventures and the constant smell of cedar and evergreens.
My brother and I would climb trees, explore the woods and take the canoe out on the lake with Dad. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? It was. But as I got older, I found myself retreat from nature; I was tied to my career, my phone and the concrete streets of NYC. I won’t lie — I became more and more stressed and anxiety-ridden. Maybe you can relate.
A few years ago, I decided to put an end to this madness and went on a quest to save my sanity. I found ways to get active in nature — no matter what city I’m in. (But I put together some specific tips just for my fellow New Yorkers.)
Here are four simple ways I found to de-stress:
Happy Trails
Whether you’re aware of the hiking opportunities that surround the city you live in or not, there are undoubtedly incredible trails that many people don’t take advantage of. I love hiking because it not only brings stress relief but it strengthens key muscles in the hips, legs and torso and keeps me feeling healthy. Google the local Parks & Recreation government agency in your area, and ask them where to find marked hiking trails near you.
In NYC?
One of my favorite hikes near NYC is called Anthony’s Nose, which is about 50 miles from the city. It’s 2.6 miles up the trail and back and takes about 2.5 hours. It’s a steep, short climb with a stunning view of the Hudson River at the summit. There are alternative/easier trails to explore as well, like:
- Central Park’s Pond to Reservoir path and The Rumble trail
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens
- Midwood Trail in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Audubon Center
- Cass Gallagher Nature Trail and John Kieran Nature Trail in the Bronx’s Cortlandt Park
Great for families, solo journeys and visitors.
Not into hiking? Here are a few more ideas:
Lunch Hour Circuit
As long as the humidity isn’t soaring, a lunchtime walk feels great. Even a gentle outdoor afternoon stroll can immediately boost your mood, help you to digest, and give you a better ability to deal with work stress. Busy working women, kick your heels to the curb, lace up your sneakers and find a public park near your office to quickly get your mind right.
In NYC?
Some good parks with walking paths in Manhattan include:
- Riverside Park along the Upper West Side
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- The High Line on Manhattan’s West Side
- Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District
- Central Park
Great for busy working women, students.
Got more time? Here are two more ideas:
Pitch a Tent
For those who need extra time with Mother Nature’s healing powers, a weekend camping trip is in order.
In NYC?
For a traditional campground experience reminiscent of the good old days of family camping trips, visit Clarence Fahnestock State Park located along the stunning Canopus Lake, an hour from NYC. Stay at one of the 80 campsites in the 14,000-acre upstate park. Be sure to bring a tent and all the other necessary camping accoutrements. Other nearby camping escapes:
- Otis Pike High Dunes Wilderness area on Long Island’s Fire Island
- Riverside Campground at Barryville, NY
- Stone Tavern Farm in the Catskill region
Great for families, couples, groups of friends, weekend warriors.
And one more city-centric idea:
Roll With It
Nowadays, many cities have a bike-share program, so it’s easier than ever to hop on a bike and roll on over to a park for some seriously scenic nature. It’s great exercise and will get you where you’re going faster than being stuck in a cab in rush hour.
In NYC?
Grab a CitiBike and try these highly recommended bike paths:
- Carroll Gardens to Coney Island
- Hudson River Greenway
- Governors Island
- Bronx River Path
- Rockaways Ride
Great for explorers and cycling enthusiasts.
Don’t let modern society get the better of you. Let your wildlife-loving inner child out to play. It’s not too late to allow nature help restore your mental health. Expose yourself to the natural elements to lower stress, improve concentration, elevate mood, decrease anxiety, help you get fit and improve your overall mental health.
What do you do to de-stress?
Just looking at green tree’s relaxes our body and mind. Being in a forest should work wonders for our bodies.
I totally love these tips! It’s very important and much needed to take a break from the busy routined lifestyle! Try to avoid your cell phone as much as you can. No laptops, No Tv. Try and stay away from every gadget that connects you with the world. Just go on a hike. Take your camera along! Capture everything you wish to. It’ll work like a miracle, and you’ll feel so much better. 🙂
Sometimes the big city life really depresses me, so I need to take a break and I go to the nearest park and just admire the nature. Just sit in an open area where I can see the nature (trees, birds, may be hills,water etc.) And think, without them, what would be world like? Then I start feeling more relaxed and appreciative about everything in my life.
I had a major bird watching weekend! On Saturday I went on the bird watching tour in Prospect Park and Sunday my husband and I went to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. It’s warbler migration time and I saw several kinds in both parks. I am just a beginner which is why it’s good to go with the tour, to hear from the experts. Everyone seemed to be out enjoying nature. 🙂
The Madison Square Park is EVERYTHING! A true treasure in the city! There is always something interesting going on in this well kept park. Free wifi, live events, sculpture displays, pretty flowers & fall foliage. Pick up your lunch, sit here, enjoy the people watching. The squirrels are uber friendly. Don’t be surprised if one climbs up your leg or jumps on your shoulder to see what you’re eating.
Great tips for those who enjoy a hike or a jog out in the nature! If you are lazy, and don’t enjoy hiking, these may not be the places for you. 😉 Great places to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.