Learning how to deal with stress is a major advantage to recovery. Stress is a major trigger for relapse, according to a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Reducing stress in healthy ways helps you stay sober, so here are some stress-busting activities near Los Angeles to help in early recovery.
Relax and Reflect at the Riverside Botanic Gardens
Nature is a powerful answer for how to deal with stress. The University of California’s Riverside Botanical Gardens provide a lush, natural setting for letting go of the day’s stressers and finding some inner peace. Natural walking trails take you past gardens brimming with colorful flowers and native plants. The trails are dotted with benches inviting you to relax and enjoy the flora.
Get Some Exercise at Mount Rubidoux Park
According to Harvard Medical School, exercise reduces stress and helps your body learn how to deal with stress better in the future. More than three miles of hiking trails crisscross Mount Rubidoux Park and provide opportunities for low, moderate, or high-intensity exercise. Hike up to the top of the giant granite hill, the park’s namesake, for maximum exercise benefits and a breathtaking vista.
Wander the Orchards at California Citrus State Historic Park
Daily relaxation and reflection are crucial for how to deal with stress. Relax and reflect while you stroll through the orange groves at California Citrus State Historic Park, which features hiking and biking trails, nature and wildlife viewing areas and perfect picnic spots. The park is also home to a visitor center with exhibits and special programs, including guided tours and fruit tastings.
How to Deal With Stress No Matter Where You Are
When it comes to how to deal with stress, heading into nature is a powerful tool, lifting the mood and rejuvenating the mind. However, if you don’t have time to visit a park for a few hours of rest and relaxation, you can reduce stress no matter where you are with these quick tips:
- Breathe deeply. Deep breathing reduces levels of stress hormones, leaving you feeling calmer in a matter of minutes.
- Meditate daily. Evidence shows that daily meditation reduces stress on the spot and improves the way external stressers affect you.
- Take a quick walk. Getting your heart pumping and your blood moving for even just a few minutes reduces your body’s stress response and helps you clear your head.
Sober living can be stressful in the early months, and picking up tips and tricks for how to deal with stress and practicing them daily can help you keep your stress levels manageable for better health and well-being for the long-haul.
