No matter how much I try, it never feels like I’m getting outside enough. Between school and work, all taking place in a major city, it’s just not that easy to escape. This has really bothered me during my time at DU, especially this year as I am busier than ever before.
I’m sure this problem bothers many of you too, and if so, it’s important to be able to cope. So, for the first time, I’ve actually put some deep thought into how to properly deal with this problem. Here’s what I’ve come up with:
Lower your standards: Spending time in the outdoors doesn’t have to mean hiking a fourteener, biking 100 miles or even leaving Denver. We spend so much time inside that something as simple as laying down in the park for an hour can be totally vital to both our happiness and health. Just because you can’t make it up to the mountains for an elaborate adventure doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch all day.
Digital Detox: One of my favorite aspects of getting outdoors is leaving behind technology. I spend an inevitably insane amount of time staring at screens, and turning everything off takes me to another, simpler world.
But even if you’re not heading out for an adventure, try to detach yourself from distracting devices for at least a few hours a week and just spend time with yourself. Read a magazine or book, draw something, take some time to make a good meal or just sit in total silence. These simple activities are wonderfully relaxing.
Set a monthly goal: I get bummed because I can’t make it outdoors enough, but what’s enough? Don’t set unrealistic goals. Instead, mark one day or weekend a month when you absolutely will make out for a hike, bike or whatever else you have in mind. Don’t get down on yourself—we all have busy lives and it’s okay to space out adventures accordingly.
Pretend: I know this sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. When you’re swamped with school, work or whatever else may be keeping you on campus, it can actually help to use your imagination. Lay down in some grass, close your eyes and imagine yourself high up in the mountains with no worries. After a few minutes, this can turn into a meditative process that can really do you a lot of good.
If you’re not so into the pretending, go do something else that feels a little childish—like climbing a tree. I’m pretty sure you’re not allowed to do that on campus, but maybe that will add to your adventure.
Make a big plan and stick to it: The only thing that ever gets me through finals is knowing that I have an awesome break ahead with lots of days outside. If you plan out a trip well before the quarter is over, you’ll have something awesome to look forward to no matter what and your spirits will be high. This can be something as simple as booking a campsite well ahead of time, or as big as renting out a condo in the mountains for a ski/snowboard weekend. Either way, it will help you get through whatever struggles you may encounter throughout the end of the quarter.
Get up really, really, early: Have you ever considered the fact that you don’t have to go out every weekend and sleep until noon? By simply taking a night off from partying, you can get more sleep than normal and wake up super early for a morning adventure. Leave campus at 5 a.m., go do your thing and come back midday with plenty of time left to take care of other priorities.
