Nature Breaks: Clearing Your Mind Outdoors
Last semester, I was running on fumes; juggling classes, work, endless deadlines, and a social life I didn’t want to give up. What I didn’t realize was my biggest mistake: I wasn’t allowing myself to stop. Learning that it was okay to step back and breathe wasn’t easy, but it changed everything.
Looking back, I know things could have turned out differently if I had practiced this sooner. Still, I’m grateful for the lesson those hard times taught me, because now I have the chance to share it with someone else who might be feeling stuck in that same exhausting cycle. The truth is, with a little effort and a guilt-free pause, it’s possible to climb out of that hole.
And here’s a secret: there’s a place you can go where, the moment you arrive, some of those heavy thoughts start to fade away. It’s just a few scrolls down and seven minutes out of your day!
Escape the Campus, Find Your Peace
Being in college or sitting at home waiting for that one job to call you back gets repetitive. With the constant routine that college brings, it’s easy to fall into a cycle. For some, this whole “being on your own” thing comes naturally. For others, like me, it’s the complete opposite.
Finding ways to escape the campus or your room is essential if you really want to give yourself a moment to breathe. If you say you’re taking a break in the same setting that’s been the source of your stress, when are you actually letting your mind rest?
About a year ago, my old roommate and I realized we were stuck in a repetitive, almost depressive loop. We decided to change things up and made a new rule: one spontaneous thing a day. It worked. We ended up at Liberty University at midnight just to walk, saw random movies, discovered new places, and even started geocaching. Those small escapes turned into some of our best memories here.
The Science Behind the Serenity
You don’t need to travel far in the middle of the night to take a break. There are so many ways to step outside and recharge that are backed by science. One of these is called Shinrin-yoku, an old Japanese practice also known as “forest bathing.” It involves immersing yourself in a natural environment, and research shows it promotes both physical and mental well-being. Science backs this up, as it has been proven to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with chronic stress. It can also ease anxiety and depression and even help bring back your creative spark.
I’m sharing this method because you don’t have to end up in the middle of a forest or escape to the beach to benefit. Sure, those are great options, but opportunities to reset are all around you. Spend 15 to 30 minutes breathing fresh air away from your couch. Sit on the porch, stop by the park, or stand barefoot in your yard. You can turn anywhere into your spot.
Why would I do this?
Taking intentional breaks in nature isn't just a way that we can escape a busy schedule; it's an extremely powerful tool for mental health right at our feet. Stepping outside allows your body to reset, your mind to slow down, and your stress to finally lift off. Research continues to show that even the smallest moments outdoors can reduce anxiety, improve your focus, and make you feel so much more connected to the world.
Using new techniques like Shinrin-yoku and immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. It's not always about hiking miles or breaking a sweat when you are outside, simply walking slowly, noticing the rustle of the leaves, inhaling deeply, and letting the environment in for a change. By practicing this, we are inviting calm and clarity back into your day. Whether you are on a park bench, campus lawn, wooded trail, or lying in the sand at a beach. Nature is always there, ready to help you breathe just a little bit easier.
Where can you take a break near Farmville
High Bridge State Park
Take a walk on the trail right in town, or take a drive to the bridge to find trails and amazing views.
Briery Creek Lake
With multiple docks and the perfect spot to fish, Briery Creek opens up to amazing views and a quiet setting.
Parks of Farmville
In the Town of Farmville, there are multiple parks where you can sit on a bench, walk a trail, look at the water, and so much more.
Sandy River Reservoir
Prefer to take your break on the water? Sandy River is the perfect place with kayak rentals, a small beach, picnic tables, and so much more.
Make Taking Breaks a Habit
Incorporate nature breaks into your weekly routine and see the positive impact on your mental health. Small actions lead to big changes, and "Take a Break" is here to support you every step of the way. Prioritizing taking breaks and improve mental health.
