Juggling work, family, and anything life throws at us can be extremely stressful, which is why it’s important to make time to unwind. Luckily, being in Bristol, there are plenty of spaces to escape the daily grind, whether you visit Leigh Woods for a healthy dose of fresh air or you visit the fantastic Lido spa for some much-needed R and R.
Get Fresh Air
Sitting between the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills, there are plenty of places to get that all-important fresh air and sunshine. If travelling away from Bristol doesn’t suit your lifestyle, then there’s plenty of green space right in the centre. For example, Castle Park, which is right by the Marriott Hotel, is simply stunning and has a no-drinking policy.
Enjoy a Good Meal Out
In the chaos of the week, mealtimes are often rushed, so take time to enjoy good food and drink while you’re unwinding. In Bristol, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants serving all types of cuisines. For example, if you enjoy Indian food, you can visit urban-tandoor.com to book a table in their physical restaurant or you can order through their takeaway system.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for keeping physically fit, but it also works wonders for mental health. However, if you’re constantly doing the same routines, it can become boring, and might even add to the stress. Therefore, try to mix it up at the weekend when you’ve got more time. For example, if you usually hit the gym, hop on your bike and go on an adventure. Alternatively, try out calming workouts like yoga or tai chi.
See Family and Friends
Being socially connected plays a vital role in our overall health, so use the weekend to schedule at least one social activity every week. You don’t have to do anything crazy or expensive; you can simply head to a local cafe for a chat.
Reconnect with Activities You Love
With the constant demands of life, it’s easy to leave activities you love behind. If you’ve got long-lost hobbies that you’ve been itching to get back to, pick a weekend to clear your schedule and get stuck back in. To help you arrange your time, make a list of everything that you love doing, which will help you to rotate the activities you do.
Turn off Social Media and Work Emails
Whether your days off are at the weekend or midweek, you’ve got them off for a reason. Therefore, switch off any work-related notifications and leave them behind until you return. Additionally, scrolling through social media can be extremely stressful, especially if you begin to compare your life to the facade of others. Therefore, treat your brain to an escape by turning off all social media channels.
There it is, a fantastic series of ways to unwind after a stressful week. If this feels like just another checklist, consider combining activities. For example, you can spend time with your loved ones while getting fresh air or eating well. If you integrate the over activities into your life, you’ll notice a dip in stress levels.
