Summer is supposed to be a time of sweet release and relaxation, but we all know it doesn’t always look that way. Everyday stressors stay present regardless of the season, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Most of us spend the summer juggling work pressure and vacation logistics, all while trying to squeeze in as much “me-time” as possible. Then, in the blink of an eye, the sun wanes and we find ourselves at the start of fall once again. 

Despite the ever-present stressors of life, summer truly is the best time to slow down and reflect. It marks the halfway point of the calendar year, a prime time to check-in on yourself and realign your intentions. We want to encourage you to unwind this summer, even if you’re pressed for time. Here you can find our recommendations on the top 7 ways to de-stress this summer.

Travel to Natural Destinations

Travel doesn’t always have to involve complex planning and expensive tickets. Sometimes a peaceful walk or day spent at the beach is all you need to decompress. There are many easy afternoon, one day or weekend trips that you can enjoy spontaneously with friends and colivers. To de-stress, we recommend forgoing city trips and instead embracing some local nature. Fresh air and scenic views are unmatched when it comes to putting your mind at ease.

• For our Valencia colivers, check out the springwater pools and lush mountains of Montanejos. Montanejos is 45 minutes by car from Valencia city and is great for sunbathing, swimming, hiking and rafting. If you don’t have a car, the Valencia Language Exchange frequently organizes group trips via bus.
• For our Madrid colivers, try the Hayedo de Montejo. Hayedo de Montejo is an expansive forest that makes up part of the European Beech Forests, which all together are declared a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The forest has long walking paths underneath big beech trees, and is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes from Madrid’s city center. Be sure to make a reservation before you go.
• For our Lille colivers, we suggest the Parc Naturel de Scarpe Escaut. This natural park is a haven of greenery and walking paths. The park was shaped by the Scarpe and Escaut rivers and now has zones of wetland, forest and farming. The journey from Lille to Parc Naturel de Scarpe Escaut is one hour by train or 30 minutes by car.

Create a “Summer Vibes” Playlist

Usually it’s the little moments that have the biggest impact on your day. Sometimes all it takes is a stellar cup of coffee or listening to your favorite song to flip your mood and alleviate stress. For this reason, we suggest romanticizing your daily routines with your own summer-inspired playlist. Whether you prefer calm beats or scream-your-heart-out bangers, having a soundtrack ready-to-go makes your everyday life sweeter. Activities like working out, eating breakfast and commuting to work all feel more exciting with summer tunes in the background. We asked the Urban Campus team for some summer song recommendations to help you start your playlist. 

Favorite Summer Hits: 

• Lovely Day – Bill Withers
• Summer Days – Martin Garix (Flora, Expansion Strategy Analyst)
• New Soul – Yael Naim (Marta, Marketing Manager)
• LAS BABYS – Aitana (Simon, Product Owner)

Wander at your local produce market

Eating fresh produce in the summer just feels right. The sunshine has a way of making plump strawberries and scoops of juicy watermelon taste extra delicious. Plus, wandering through an open-air market is sure to soothe your stress. It’s therapeutic to loose yourself amongst the many vendors of colorful produce and blossoming flowers. Also, since many fruits thrive in summer seasonality, you’ll have the chance to explore different types of produce that aren’t available in the fall or winter. Keep your eyes peeled for something different to try – you never know what new favorite food you may uncover! 

Grab your Urban Campus colivers and head to the market nearest you: 

• Valencia – Mercado Central
• Madrid – Mercado San Antón, Mercado de la Paz
• Lille – Marché de Wazemmes

Take an Email Vacation

Trust us, we know – disconnecting is hard. Email and social media have become the foundations of our everyday communication, and shutting them off can feel impossible. However, it is crucial to periodically trade-in the buzz of notifications for true peace and quiet. Even just a few hours of notification detox can leave you feeling refreshed and recalibrated. You can set application time-limits within your phone, or create automated response emails if you’re ready for a longer break. We know everything feels urgent, but this is your reminder that it isn’t. Digital boundaries are key for de-stressing and maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.

Experiment with a Creative Hobby

If you are having a hard time kicking your stress, maybe it’s time to embrace your artistic side. Creative expression is a textbook strategy for stress relief. Art slows down time and encourages more introspection and intentionality. Most of us have strolled curiously through the displays of an art museum, but have you ever participated in the creation of something artistic? Whether you feel a creative passion stirring within you or just want to have some fun with friends, we’ve got some ideas.

Make a Splash!

Ahh, water…the only true escape from the summer heat. Water is naturally comforting, and even just dipping your toes into the cool sea can help you feel less stressed. The sound of water is healing too – the crashing of waves, the current of a river, raindrops on a lake or even the soft splashes of a swimming pool. No matter where you go, taking a swim this summer is essential for your relaxation. Don’t be discouraged if you are landlocked or feel stuck in the city; there is always some type of water to be found. 

• Valencia: Patacona, Malvarrossa, or Cabanyal beach should do the trick. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, go to the end of Turia park and picnic in front of the sparkling lake. You can even rent a paddle boat! 
• Madrid: The Embalse de San Juan is known as “Madrid’s Beach.” It has over 14km of sand beach and is great for laying in the sun, swimming, or canoeing. You can go by bus, train or car – see your best transportation options here.
• Lille: Head to Dunkerque, 1 hour by train from Lille, for a classic beach day. Dunkerque is famous for Kitesurf, long beaches and big sand dunes. Here you will have plenty of space to stroll along the shore or take a dive into the refreshing water.

Be Social!

Time flies when you’re in good company. Human beings are a naturally social species, yet we often neglect our need for authentic social interaction. If you’re feeling like a ball of stress, ask yourself – when is the last time I spent quality time with friends? When is the last time I met someone new? Sometimes it is best to drop everything, get out of your house and be present with other people. Grab drinks with your friends, go to a language exchange, or call up that new coworker you’ve been meaning to go out with. You’ll be amazed how a little social interaction goes a long way.

Photo Credits:

• All photos used through Canva Free Media License