Healthy Escapes

Mental health has been an important topic after the last few tumultuous years. It has been a time of heightened emotions, uncertainty, misinformation, losing loved ones, and a changing job market. We have to be on our toes and mentally sharp so we can adapt and survive. With all this turmoil, we all need some healthy escapes. Let me tell you a few of mine and then I will give you a list of some that might work for you.

Being outside is an escape for me. Any excuse to be out in nature works for me. I love hiking on local trails, poking around in my garden, or sitting on the porch swing.

Running has always been an escape for me. Whenever things became difficult, I went out for a long run. When emotions became too raw, I ran even farther. Running works for me as an escape because the movement and physical escape because the movement and physical demand calm me. Being outside has always comforted me, and if I am angry, I can release that anger on a hill while I mutter and fuss, and no one can hear me except the squirrels.

Books are another escape for me. I love becoming lost in the story. It is an escape for me just being around books. When I walk into a library or bookstore, I can feel my body relax. I think this goes back to my childhood when a trip to the library was such a treat. The library in my town looked like a castle and I found refuge in those nooks and crannies growing up because I was very awkward socially and books were my escape from being different.

Writing allows me to express my emotions when life is overwhelming me. I can lose myself in the words.

Food often makes me feel better because good food is comfort. There is something restorative about cooking and talking and laughing in the kitchen while cooking.

 Here are a few more ideas for healthy escapes.

A great nap.

Music

Camping

Arts and crafts

Video games

Movies

Add whatever lifts you up to the list. Avoid unhealthy escapes like using substances because although you will forget reality for a short time the reality you return to might be tougher than you can handle.