Pennsylvania Activities That Will Boost Your Mental Health
Have you felt overworked or overwhelmed lately? From hunched shoulders and sweaty palms to sleepless nights and panic attacks, the signs of stress and burnout are clear. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Stress is on the rise among American workers, with nearly three in five people experiencing negative impacts of work-related stress, according to the American Psychological Association.
Luckily, the tools to return to a calmer, happier life might be found in your own backyard. Pennsylvania is a convenient location for relaxing, unwinding, and finding some relief from the stressful city life. Mental and emotional healing, which has been shown to have numerous benefits, even improving skin health, could be a quick drive or a short flight away.
Absolute Pilates suggests visiting these places to get a quick mental health boost:
Visiting Historic Sites
Here in Pennsylvania, we are blessed to have a variety of gorgeous historic sites. There are plenty of relaxing choices between historic sites and beautiful state parks.
If you’re looking to take your mind off your troubles while learning about our fascinating history, arts, culture, and landscape, here are a few places to consider:
● Eckley’s Miner’s Village
● Philadelphia Museum of Art
● Andy Warhol Museum
● Hershey’s Chocolate Factory
Find Stillness
Yoga and meditation have been shown to soothe your mind. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) explains that Buddhist meditation and prayer reduce stress, depression and anxiety.
Luckily, Pennsylvania is home to some incredible pilates instructors like Absolute Pilates, yoga studios, meditation practitioners, and retreat centers. If you’re new to yoga or meditation, you might start with a guided class for beginners. You might also consider booking a trip to the Himalayan Institute, which combines yoga, meditation, integrative medicine, biofeedback, and more. Just remember to dress comfortably so you can optimize your time as you seek out stillness. You have a wide range of choices in leggings, undergarments, and stretchable activewear, so look for fabrics that are breathable and not binding.
If yoga, meditation, and spirituality aren’t for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to clear your mind. From fishing to sipping a hot cup of tea to pausing to take a few deep breaths, do what works best for you.
Spend Time in Nature
Nothing compares to the sense of peace and serenity you’ll find in nature. According to Harvard Medical School, numerous studies have shown that nature is good for our mental and emotional health. Among the abundant benefits: improved memory; reduced mental fatigue; stress relief; and improved concentration, to name a few.
Pennsylvania can be a calming haven for nature lovers. From renting a boat on Lake Erie to hiking a nature trail in the forests and hillsides, there are plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection, meditation and alone time.
Get Away From It All
Getting some silence and solitude can actually be good for your health. Recent studies have shown that people experienced positive mental and emotional benefits of alone time, including feelings of comfort and freedom. When getting away, it’s important to also get away from work.
We’ve never been more tethered to the workplace thanks to the constant connection via smartphones, laptops and tablets. Be intentional about leaving work at work, where it belongs, so you can be in the moment when it counts.
Plan your own mini-vacation or weekend getaway by renting a cabin in the woods, planning a retreat, or booking a hotel with a spa. During warmer months, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can experience in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, if the weather is cold, you can relax with a massage, do some yoga, visit a sauna, or sip hot cocoa while watching the snow fall.
As any Pennsylvania native already knows, there’s a little something for everyone here - from the rural forests and rolling hills to the bustling cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. If you’re looking to get away from it all, the Keystone State can offer plenty of opportunities for peace and relaxation.