If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re feeling burnt out, disconnected from the world, or simply ready for an adventure, your options for outdoor getaways are nearly limitless. But if you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Check out our list of some of the top stress-relief activities for entrepreneurs.
#1 Yoga
Yoga is one of the most popular fitness and stress relief activities, and there are so many benefits for entrepreneurs with jam-packed schedules:
- It’s free – While you might enjoy an organized class, there’s a wealth of free yoga instruction available online.
- It’s accessible – You won’t need any fancy equipment to start doing yoga — just a mat (or a towel).
- You can do it anywhere – You don’t need to climb to the top of a mountain or find the closest picturesque, grassy field to work through some poses; you can start doing yoga on your balcony or in your backyard.
#2 Archery
Whether you don your camo and head out on a hunting excursion or simply set aside time to work on marksmanship, archery can be a powerful stress relief activity.
While you might not think of archery as a relaxing activity, it has powerful stress relief potential:
- It’s an outdoor activity – Simply taking a break from your screen to practice at an archery range can help you take your mind off of your to-do list.
- It offers creative potential – Archery technology is still constantly changing. As they progress, archers can experiment with different equipment configurations and get creative with their setups and training regimen.
- There’s a large community of archers – The archer community is robust: you won’t have any problem finding someone to train or hunt with, whether you become a master of the crossbow, compound bow, or longbow.
#3 Precision Shooting
Like archery, precision shooting gives entrepreneurs a chance to disconnect from their devices, take a break from the office, and venture into the outdoors.
If you’re new to shooting and want to improve your marksmanship, consider picking up some tools:
- An optic – Shooting with optics like laser sights or scopes can help you hone your marksmanship skills early on. And, if you choose to apply these skills in a hunting context, a quality optic can help you take accurate, lethal shots and harvest ethically.
- A tripod or bipod – Especially for long-range shooting, stability is key. Resting your firearm on a tripod or bipod can help you stabilize and improve your technique.
- A range finder – Range finders are small, handheld devices that calculate the distance between you and your target — and they’re a must-have for both seasoned and new marksmen.
#4 Hiking
If you’re simply looking to enjoy the outdoors without committing to a secondary activity (like hunting or marksmanship training), consider a fan-favorite nature excursion: hiking.
Hiking is highly accessible, and hikers have nearly countless trail options to choose from. Even though hiking can help you get in shape, you don’t have to be in peak physical condition to start.
But if you’re brand-new to hiking, we recommend finding a buddy and starting with a short, easy trail in your local area to test the waters.
#5 Scuba Diving
Scuba diving can be a gateway to numerous other underwater activities:
- Spearfishing
- Specimen or fossil collecting
- Underwater photography and videography
- Sunken cave exploration
- Underwater surveying and mapping
But many divers simply enjoy being underwater: the peace, quiet, and alluring landscapes below the surface.
If you’ve never dived before and you’re looking to get started, consider signing up for an open water certification course in your area to train with an expert. Developing the skills to become a quality diver will reduce your stress level and help you have more fun underwater.
#6 Yard Work
Scuba diving is a gear-intensive activity, and it can be expensive. If you’re trying to save money and you’re looking for outdoor stress relief, start in your own backyard: yard work is great exercise, it gives you a chance to disconnect from your devices, and you’ll feel accomplished at the end of a session.
Plus, you don’t have to commit to working on your entire yard. If you already pay a neighborhood kid to mow the grass, for instance, you can still call on them for support while you pick weeds, edge your driveway, or plant and prune an herb garden.
Pro tip: Consider taking before and after photos of your work for a visual reminder of your accomplishments and a motivator for future work sessions.
#7 Camping
Another relatively low-cost, accessible outdoor activity for entrepreneurs is camping. New and seasoned campers alike have numerous options for camping activities:
- Hammocking – Simply string up a hammock between two trees and sleep under the stars.
- Tenting – If you’d prefer cover from the rain, set up a tent in a nearby camping site (like a state park) and enjoy the soundtrack of the outdoors.
- Trailering and RVing – If you’re interested in camping but don’t want to entirely give up your creature comforts, consider renting a camper or RV for a weekend to try out camping life with some of the comforts of home.
Connect with Nature and Relieve Stress
For entrepreneurs, it can be difficult to disconnect from long to-do lists and conquer burnout. But spending time outdoors or playing can be relaxing, rejuvenating, and rewarding. Playing a sport like water polo can assist to alleviate tension and anxiety while also improving mental well-being.
And any of the activities above would make a great starting point for people looking to reconnect with nature and find peace.
