The summer is a great time to unplug and get outside. Outdoor activities are highly beneficial for finding anxiety relief. Keep reading for seven outdoor activities in NYC this summer for anxiety relief recommended by a women’s therapist at Liz Yarock Psychotherapy.
Walking or hiking.
Whether you go for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, getting outside into nature has been proven to support your mental well-being. Any gentle exercise in nature can help calm your mind and nervous system as well as boost your mood. Regular movement and exercise are effective in alleviating anxiety and promoting overall mental health. For increased benefits, consider transforming your next walk into a mindfulness walk. Tune into all five of your senses as you walk to help ground into the present moment and find anxiety relief. You can also schedule a walk with a friend. Walking with a friend or loved one encourages socialization and is a great chance to seek support, connection, and fun.
Places to walk in NYC:
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Running Path in Central Park
- Highline
- Prospect Park Loop
- East River Esplanade
Visit a park, or a local botanical garden, or try gardening.
Connecting with nature and tending to plants can be an incredibly grounding and soothing experience. Try putting your phone away and allowing yourself quiet time in nature without any distractions. In New York, there are several parks and gardens for anxiety relief. Here are just some:
Botanical Gardens
Practice yoga outside.
Yoga has been proven to help reduce anxiety and improve one’s overall mood and emotional well-being. A regular yoga practice has been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety. Practicing yoga outdoors combines the benefits of movement, breathwork, and nature. Deep breathing and movement help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Try bringing your yoga mat to a local park or any comfortable outdoor space. Even a few minutes of movement can be beneficial in experiencing anxiety relief.
Meditate outside.
Meditating outside in nature can enhance your relaxation practice. If you practice mindfulness, you can focus your awareness on all of the beautiful sights, smells, and sounds of summer around you. Meditating outside in the summer is a great way to anchor into the present moment.
Create art outside.
Whether you enjoy painting, crafting, or coloring in an adult coloring book, art is a great tool for managing anxiety. Creating art can help lower stress levels and promote a more calm and relaxed state. Bringing your art project outside can help inspire further creativity and encourage curiosity about the world around you, which helps reduce stress and anxious thinking.
Swim.
Swimming is another great way to experience relief from anxiety. Water in general has a calming effect and can be soothing to anyone experiencing anxiety. Swimming releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce overall stress. When swimming, you naturally engage in rhythmic breathing patterns which help activate the relaxation response. Swimming is a very mindful practice, as you focus on your strokes and movements you can start to shift from anxious thoughts to the present moment.
Playing a sport like soccer, tennis, or pickleball.
Sports are great ways to experience more fun and joy during the summer. Playing a sport releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones. Playing sports outside has the added benefit of exposure to fresh air and natural light, both of which can boost serotonin and enhance your overall mood. Any team sport or group activity offers increased social connection. Engaging in social activities fosters a sense of community and belonging, both of which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- For tennis courts and pickleball courts check out NYCParks.org
- NYC Pickleball
- Sutton East Tennis Club
Take the first steps toward anxiety relief today
Ready to embrace the outdoors and find some anxiety relief this summer? Whether it’s a peaceful walk, an invigorating swim, or a mindful yoga session in the park, taking time for outdoor activities can make a big difference in your mental well-being. At Liz Yarock Psychotherapy, I understand the unique challenges women face in NYC. If you’re looking for personalized support and strategies to manage anxiety or other women’s issues, I’m here to help.
- Contact me today to start your journey.
- Learn more about how therapy in NYC can support you by exploring my blogs.
- Explore how therapy for women’s issues can help you find anxiety relief.
Other services I offer in New York City, NY
As a women’s therapist in NYC, my goal is to provide a wide range of therapy services to support women’s well-being. Whether you’re seeking anxiety therapy, relationship issues therapy, or life transition therapy, I tailor each session to meet your unique needs using evidence-based techniques and an integrative approach. I also specialize in working with highly sensitive persons, helping them navigate the world with greater resilience and ease.
Book a consultation today!
I am happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to help you gain a sense of who I am and my approach to therapy in order to determine if we will work well together.