Things to Do in Des Moines to Relax This Year on National Stress Awareness Day

Our modern lives tend to cause us far more stress than seems necessary. Whether you are feeling pressure due to work matters or something more personal, stress can inhibit your ability to perform regular tasks and, just as importantly; it can diminish your quality of life. 

Started by the Health Resource Network (HRN) in 1992 to raise awareness of stress, National Stress Awareness Day gives you a chance to slow down, reflect on what you need to reduce stress, and treat yourself to some self-care. 

Explore Relaxing Places and Activities in Des Moines This National Stress Awareness Day

Perhaps you recently moved into your new residential community at one of our Springs communities, or maybe you have never heard of this day of awareness before. Either way, consider this day your chance to explore the more laid back side of your city. 

Our team has come up with some of our favorite ways for our community residents to de-stress around town, and we hope you will take some time to relax and enjoy all that the city has to offer this day and always: 

• Enjoy Some Leisurely Exercise. The Anxiety and Depression Association (AADA) reminds us that exercise and physical activity is a vital part of maintaining physical fitness. Combine a relaxing walk with breathing in some glorious oxygen at the Des Moines Botanical Center. Parks you can visit for a soothing but hearty hike include the Badger Creek State Recreation Area and Wildwood Park, which is a neighborhood park just over two miles away from our peaceful community at the Springs at Waukee Apartments in Waukee. You can also sign up for a local yoga or spinning class. 
• Take Pleasure in Nourishing Your Body. The Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine (PCRM) recommends eating "low-fat, high-fiber, carbohydrate-rich meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables" instead of common comfort foods like pizza, chips, and ice cream, which are loaded with fat, salt, and sugar. The latter can actually make matters worse. Take a trip to the Des Moines Farmers Market on the Saturday before or after April 16th—or any Saturday, for that matter—to indulge in a sea of colorful local produce and other delights. With more than 300 vendors supported by the Downtown Market, you can stock your refrigerator and pantry with a new collection of healthy comfort foods. 
• Indulge in Your Favorite Distraction. Some people under stress binge watch their favorite television program, play a video game, listen to music, read, or paint. Another distraction you might consider is taking a five-mile walk from your home at the Springs at Jordan Creek in Des Moines to the West Des Moines Library where you can explore the world of books in a quiet environment. The library is modern but comfortable and surrounded by trees, including weeping willows, and a pond where you can spend some time reading and reflecting. Other informative and soul-nurturing distractions you can try to include visiting the Des Moines Arts Center or the Blank Park Zoo. 

Just Do Something Good for Yourself

We hope that your life at one of our properties helps relieve your stress, but we know life is filled with struggles at work and in other arenas. Hopefully, this list will give you a start in navigating our city's wonderful stress reducers. Contact us if you need any additional ideas, and we can figure something out together.