Right now it’s exam season and things are reaching new levels of stressful but there’s one simple thing that I can always rely on to calm me down and bring me back a sense of peace when things start to get overwhelming inside my head. And that’s to simply walk in the woods alongside my four legged friend Bo. Now I get that everyone is different and so perhaps walking through the woods, come rain or shine is not going to work for everybody but for me the sounds and smells of woodland do something to my senses and transport me to a world away from my stresses. In fact, the woods on a damp day has a smell like no other, a smell that reminds me of time spent in the woods as a child in Yorkshire, hunting for treasure with our new metal detectors, building tyre swings and dens in the thick undergrowth and then returning, muddy, wet and cold to a plate of home cooked chips and a place beside the fire.
The act of walking itself is proven to boost endorphins, those magical chemicals that improve mood and self-esteem. Alongside the chemical effects it has on my body, the exercise itself is a welcome change from sitting static hunched over my revision notes at my desk, and I always sleep a little better at night if my body has had some level of activity. If I’m feeling particularly energised I turn the walk into a run and jog alongside Bo down the muddy paths, there’s a real thrill that comes with running together and for a minute I’m a part of his pack, thundering along with the wind in my hair, do excuse me if I don’t chase the squirrels though.
Being around Bo reminds me of the simple pleasures in life, his happiness and blissful unawareness of life’s strains somehow makes me live in the moment, to appreciate more the little things going on around me and put into perspective the worries that at that moment feel so all-encompassing inside my head. Animals have always had a soothing effect on me, and even from a young age, I’ve taken so much pleasure from being around them, caring for them and seeing them happy.
I have two exams left to go until my degree course at Kings College London is completed, Bo may have quite a few woodland walks between now and then, but at the end of the day, I know that I have given it my all, worked my hardest and tried my best.
What’s your go-to stress relief?
We are in the same boat! I’m on my last assignments too before I graduate Uni and to destress in this time is so much appreciated. I have to start going on walks again, it really is a great way to destress.
Lea, xx
http://www.asnippetoflife.com
Good luck with your last assignments! We will be free in no time 😀 xx
Going for a walk is so peaceful! Exercising helps me too! I need to get back at it! Good luck with finals!
Thank you Brittany! xx
It’s great that you have a trusty friend to help you wind down during stressful times. And I agree, walking in the woods during or after it rained has such a special ambience to it, the smells, the sounds… It’s just very relaxing and gets you to shut off from this fast pace world for a moment! Good luck on your last exams!
Thanks Ella, 😀
Bo is gorgeous! Just reading your post dropped my stress level! Love it!
Aww thank you, Jenn! I tell him how handsome he is all the time 😛 x
Man, you’ve made me went to get up and go on a walk (haha). That’s definitely on the cards for today 🙂 Lovely post and good luck with your exams!
Keep up the good work 🙂
Chloe @ https://girllgonerogue.blogspot.co.uk/
Do it girl! Thank you, I have my fingers and toes all crossed 😛 xx
I love getting lost in the forest! Something about seeing all the green makes me calm!
Yes me too! x
I spend quality time with fur babies as they are my salvation and give me so much love, and just make me feel better. But I also love to chill out to trashy tv that I don’t have to think and can just lose myself in for a few hours and that helps me to destress, all while with a facial mask on! xx
Oh yes trashy TV is a go-to of mine also! xx
I totally felt like I was in the woodland reading that first paragraph.
It reminds me of my childhood on the farm, wandering around whenever I wanted.
I completely agree, a nice walk with my furry friend is a big stress relief. I also find a nice cup of tea soothing.
Bo is absolutely gorgeous, I can imagine, just like mine, a perfect companion!
Good luck on your exams, oh how I remember the feeling!
Thank you, Angela! It’s scary but will be over soon. I’m so lucky to have Bo he’s a real sweetheart x
I know a lot of people run for stress relief. I love to ride my. Ike’s. After a long day of work it makes my cares melt away to just ride. 🙂
http://laceedoeslife.com
That sounds like bliss! x
I know a lot of people run for stress relief. I love to ride my. Ike’s. After a long day of work it makes my cares melt away to just ride. 🙂
http://laceedoeslife.com
I love walking, especially outside. Just being in nature is a natural destresser.
I also love drinking tea, lighting candles, watching something that I find comforting or reading.
Ohh yes, I’m a huge tea drinker! 😀
Loved the post! Nature is one of my go-tos to de-stress as well. Would be interested to see a list post of other de-stress ideas! x
Thanks I’ll have to make one 😀 x
Reading this post while taking a stroll. Am totally relating to it..
Yay! 😀
Going for a walk definitely helps. I usually go for a walk when I feel stress out. All the greenery and air calms me down. Good luck with your assignment!
Thank you!! So scared but it will all be over soon 😀
Ohhh I love walking in the woods with my dog, Tank. It really helps clear my mind and allows me to think straight. Love it!!
Yes! It gives me so much more clarity x
I love getting lost in the woods or hiking with my dogs. That’s exactly how I de-stress when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I grew up playing in the woods, so, it’s super comforting for me to be in the woods.
That’s exactly how I feel, it reminds me of all those happy childhood memories 😀
Being outside walking or hiking or just being one with nature has always helped me destress. It is true that nature has a calming nature and resets your mind. Good luck with your exams.
Thank you Riely! x
I love getting out in to the wilderness with my dog to switch off from everything else going on. I find that I come back home revitalised and ready to continue my day.
Yes Oliver, it completely re-sets me 😀
It feels like I am always stressing! Especially with working full time, writing for my blog, and doing YouTube videos…. It is a handful! I love to walk when I am stressed too!
Great post♥
-Danielle Ruppert // danielleruppert.com
That is a handful! Hats of to you 😀
I love walking. Especially just to window shop at the mall while pushing my baby in her stroller. Your pup is so cute!
Thanks, Makayla! Oh yes, I do love a bit of window shopping x
Love this! Our fur babies are amazing at helping destress and so is fresh air/nature. take advantage as much as you can… and good luck on exams!
Thanks Shelby! I don’t know what I’d do without Bo 😀
Bo looks so sweet. I love that you go for nice relaxing walks with him to de-stress. I can’t wait until I can have my very own Bo to do the same with! 🙂
He is a great big softie. I hope you get your furry friend soon! x
So great and so important. Love your tips. During the school year I get so stressed and am always trying to find new ways to destress.
School is stressful, it’s important to take time out, I’m glad you enjoyed it xx
Reading this has made me want to take my boy and dog out for a walk now – even if I don’t feel stress.
Yes! walking is so beneficial, in more ways than one x
I really enjoy walking as well, especially if I’m walking in a new destination. It’s funny because at home I don’t really like walking around my neighbourhood because I feel like I’ve seen everything there is to see, but overseas I can walk for hours and hours and I find it so relaxing!
Julia // The Sunday Mode
Oh, I’m the same I love walking when I’m abroad, or even just in a different part of the country, it’s like going on a little adventure 😀 x