Breaking News:

SHOWS + PODCASTS

Utah outdoor activities to relieve stress and anxiety

Aug 14, 2020, 10:35 AM | Updated: 11:36 am

Antelope Island State Park...

FILE: Hike to Frary Peak on Antelope Island. Photo credit: Ray Boren.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, many are feeling its effects as stress and anxiety begins to build.

Social distancing, at its core, can cause people to feel isolated and disconnected from family members, coworkers, and friends. While it is necessary to practice safe public health options, doing so may negatively impact our mental health and increase stress and anxiety.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), during late June, 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use.

Now many are turning to the outdoors to try and combat the negative effects of the pandemic. Research has even shown that spending less than an hour outdoors can positively affect your mood and decrease anxiety and rumination.

In an effort to try and help combat stress and anxiety, we have compiled a list of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

(Disclaimer: Please follow all public health guidelines related to COVID-19 in your area. You can find a list of ways to protect yourself and others by visiting the official Utah Coronavirus website.)

Go for a relaxing hike

Donut Falls Hiking Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

stress and anxiety

Donut Falls is a great trail for the whole family that features a beautiful waterfall.

Location: The turn off to the Donut Falls Hiking Trail is located approx 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon near Mounthaven, Utah.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.1 miles – 538 ft elevation gain

The Living Room Lookout Trail (Salt Lake City)

stress and anxiety

The Living Room Overlook Trail is a great trail for the whole family to enjoy.

Location: On the north bench above the Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.3 miles – 980 ft elevation gain

Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls (Sandy)

stress and anxiety

Lower waterfall in Bells Canyon features a beautiful waterfall and a great lookout of the Salt Lake valley.

Location: The canyon is located on the east side of the valley, above Sandy, just off of Wasatch Blvd.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.6 miles – 1453 ft elevation gain

Travel to the Bonneville Salt Flats and stargaze

Comet C/2020 F3, also known as NEOWISE, is seen before dawn above the Bonneville Salt Flats on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.

The Bonneville Salt Flats span across 30,000 acres and is only a two-hour drive from Salt Lake City. It’s far enough away from the city lights that you’ll be able to have a wide view of the night sky to stargaze. It was even a hot spot for photographers when the NEOWISE comet passed earth.

Drive to Antelope Island and go birding

Hike to Frary Peak on Antelope Island. Photo by Ray Boren.

Another great retreat from the stress and anxiety of the pandemic is to drive to Antelope Island. There you can view one of many species of birds. The state park features millions of birds that congregate along the shores surrounding the island. In doing so, you are offered unparalleled opportunities for birding according to the state park website.

To learn more about Antelope Island, you can view visit the Antelope Island State Park website here.

For other ways to help prevent stress and anxiety, listen to the Project Recovery podcast

For more information on relieving stress and anxiety, visit the Project Recovery Facebook, it’s home page on KSL TV, or their sponsor, Use Only as Directed. To hear more from Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley, you can listen below or subscribe to the ‘Project Recovery’ podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get major podcasts.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Shows + Podcasts

Tips for spending Valentine's Day alone...

Caitlyn Johnston

Johnston: 6 tips for being alone without feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day

Are you spending Valentine’s Day alone this year? Here are some ways you can embrace this day of love alone… without feeling lonely.

2 days ago

Container gardening...

Michelle Lee

Container gardening: A space-efficient way to grow

Container gardening is simply a method of growing plants and vegetables in pots instead of from the ground.

2 days ago

The Gorge movie poster...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Gorge’ is filled with action thrills

"The Gorge" is one of those strange little movies that grabs you by the throat for the first half, then plunges you into the unknown, says KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles.

2 days ago

Huey Lewis receiving the People's Music Hall of Fame plaque on 02-07-2025. (Heather Kelly/KSL NewsR...

Heather Kelly

Surprise Utah guest helps induct Huey Lewis into the People’s Music Hall of Fame

Huey Lewis became the first person inducted into the newly created People's Music Hall of Fame in Salt Lake City.

3 days ago

Captain America: Brave New World...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is nothing new

As the newest film is the series franchise, Captain America" Brave new World doesn't bring a big punch.

3 days ago

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? It's important to prepare it before ...

Michelle Lee

Selling your home? Here’s what you can do to prepare

Are you thinking of selling your home in the spring or summer? Here are some tips on how you can best prepare it for the market.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Utah outdoor activities to relieve stress and anxiety