The hustle and bustle of life often leaves us needing a therapeutic escape. At Dinosaur River Expeditions, we think there’s no better way to unwind than on a whitewater rafting expedition, but that’s not the only way to enjoy nature. Keep reading for additional ideas on how to unwind in the great outdoors.
Angie Berrett
Angie Berrett, Registered Nurse, and Advanced Trauma-informed Yoga Instructor is the Owner and Creator of the Angie Berrett Movement.
SUP Yoga
My preferred outdoor activity for unwinding is Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga or SUP Yoga! SUP Yoga is the best activity to unwind! Flowing through a yoga practice on a paddle board requires intense focus, otherwise, I fall. Falling into the water has helped me train my mind to be more in the present and let go of everything else in life.
SUP Yoga inspires heightened attention to my body. This allows me to notice where I may be holding stress and tension, and then release it. I am also more connected to activating my muscles, having a greater sense of embodiment.
“Savasana”, or “Final Resting Pose” done laying on a paddle board and gently rocking while listening to the sounds of nature allows my body to unwind. The gentle waves of the water are so soothing. I come out of a SUP Yoga practice more refreshed than anything else!
Scuba Diving
My favorite way to unwind from the usual daily pressures is to not only escape the office but to leave the land for the beautiful deep blue. Scuba diving is a passion of mine and it’s hard to explain the weightless feeling underwater. You can enjoy pure escapism and immerse yourself into nature. Diving is incomparable. I love to walk in the wild but diving feels so refreshing.
Fly Fishing
My favorite activity to unwind is fishing.
More specifically, I’d say fly fishing. Fly fishing takes you to some beautiful, pristine places and requires total concentration on the fly at all times (you never know when the fish will strike), so it is almost like a form of meditation. Even the casting motion is a beautiful, fluid movement when done right. It just feels good and helps relieve stress. Many good fly fishing spots don’t have good cell phone reception meaning your inner peace is less likely to be disturbed.
Hiking
My preferred outdoor activity for unwinding is hiking. Getting some fresh air, exercising, and taking in the scenery around me is rejuvenating. Hiking is full of possibilities. You never know what wildlife will be seen from the trails. And, the different seasons make each visit unique and exciting.
Overlanding
After many, many years of camping and hiking in remote areas of the world, such as Nepal or Costa Rica, I finally discovered overlanding. It happened by pure chance when I was driving around Australia, and I saw all these rooftop tents on top of vehicles. I bought one when I got back home, and since then I never looked back.
I love the idea of being able to go to beautiful national parks or remote beaches, park my car, open my tent in just a few seconds, and be able to roam around the area, just like when I go camping or hiking, but with the advantage of coming back to the campsite and sleeping like a rock in a comfy tent. It gives me the best of both worlds.
My family and friends love it, as we not only sleep well, but we have all we need on our vehicle: a small portable kitchen, a portable fridge, and gear or accessories to make sure we have a nice outdoorsy weekend on the coast of Oregon, or near the beautiful valley of Sedona. You get to drive on scenic routes, get adventurous on muddy trails, and breathe nature’s fresh air after setting up camp in less than five minutes.
Boondocking
My favorite outdoor activity to help myself unwind is going boondocking. I love nature and being immersed in it helps me to relax and unwind after a long week. When you boondock, you are also more likely to be alone, so it is very quiet and peaceful. I take a tent and other bare minimum supplies and go on hikes with my dogs.
This also allows me to explore new areas, see wildlife and be away from technology. Although I take my phone for emergencies, I do not have it with me when I am by the fire, enjoying the peace. This has helped me so much with my mental well-being and fully unwinding.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
