Self-care is recognizing when you need to pay attention to the needs of your mind, body and soul. The ability to pause for a moment and tell yourself that you need to take a break, is one of the best steps you can take towards better health. As a full-time student at the University of California in Santa Cruz and balancing three jobs, I learned how valuable it is to take breaks. Life can be stressful! When I get overwhelmed, I spend a lot of time exploring where I can venture in nature. After four years of living in Santa Cruz, I have compiled a list of great FREE suggestions I dare you to take towards yourself.
Hike!
Santa Cruz has some of the most amazing hiking trails. As the geographic region of Santa Cruz consists of beautiful redwood forests and beaches, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of taking a step outside. Here are a few hikes I would suggest to you:
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| By: Santacruz.org (Pogonip) |
The trail is a total of 11.5 miles, but there are shorter trails you can take throughout it on bike or foot. Every time I hike this trail, I feel like I am going on a safari adventure as I make my way through the forest to the Garden of Eden. Heads up, I would highly suggest not bringing your dogs or alcohol to the Garden of Eden because park rangers will make you leave,
http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-beaches-open-spaces/open-spaces/pogonip
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| By: Jennifer Fineman (Wilder Ranch) |
At some point, the park was a dairy ranch overlooking the ocean. Many of the ranch buildings have been restored for use as a museum. The park charges for parking, but you can always park alongside Highway 1 and walk up.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilder_Ranch_State_Park
Go to Lighthouse Point Park.
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| By: MobileRanger (Lighthouse Point) |
Lighthouse point park is located on Westcliff. It is located near dog beach so it would be a perfect time to bring your fluffy friends out for a stroll.
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| By: Jennifer Fineman (Natural Bridges) |
The park is known for featuring natural bridges, as the rocks have been eroded in to form bridges you can walk under. But be safe when the tide is high.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Bridges_State_Beach
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| By: StaticFlickr (Henry Cowell Redwoods) |
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is alongside the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz County, which includes many redwoods alongside it. To access the park, it is in between the cities of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley off Highway 17.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Cowell_Redwoods_State_Park
Yoga:
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| Static-Pexels (Yoga) |
Santa Cruz also offers a ton of free yoga opportunities. I have compiled a list as follows:
The first session is free at The Tannery.
DiviniTree
DiviniTree sometimes offers free yoga week so keep an eye out for their flyers.
Time to volunteer.
Volunteer work in nature is also stress relieving and rewarding because you are giving back to the local community.
You can get involved with the Homeless Garden Project.
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| By: Huffington Post (Santa Cruz Homeless Garden Project) |
Every quarter, I try to make my way down to the Homeless Garden, located off of Natural Bridges. If you just show up, the homeless garden staffers would be more than happy to help you get started.
You can also help out with the gardens on campus.
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| By: http://www.alan-chadwick.org/ (Alan Chadwick Garden) |
Did you know that each of the 10 colleges have a garden on campus? You can contact your college and find out when gardening days are.
Furthermore, make time for yourself and take a step in nature. I can promise you, it will be worth it.
