Me time ideas

Submitted by insertsnamehere- t3_z6hn3g in springfieldMO

So I've been overwhelmed, overstimulated, and quite frankly just stressed. I took the day off which really means the hours between drop off and pick up school times. What are some not "breaking the bank" ideas to unwind and try and find my zen for a few hours.

Edit: I know no one cares what a random editor decided to do. However I walked the nature center, ate some sushi, did a little Christmas shopping and got my girls some outfits for Christmas, then picked the kids and went bowling. Def broke the bank. Should have stayed home and watched serial killer docs. But it was a good day. Now to go home and wish I cleaned instead 😂😂

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deathbyspoons42 t1_iy1g5t1 wrote

There's a great natural science museum, the Missouri Institute of Natural Science that's really fun to go walk around and learn. Also some trails nearby for some fresh air

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antares127 t1_iy22j42 wrote

THIS. I just found out about this place recently and my sister and I went while she was visiting. Absolute hidden gem in Springfield

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Fun-Chicken-7191 t1_iy2ian2 wrote

Where is it?

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antares127 t1_iy2ifp6 wrote

On the south side on Farm Road 190. Just google Missouri Institute of Natural Science and it’ll come up.

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[deleted] t1_iy1k3pv wrote

Go for a hike at Busiek State Park. Trails are decently marked and not too hard to do.

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MotherofaPickle t1_iy429rq wrote

Have they been re-marked in the past few years? Last time my family went, we got lost on a horse trail and only by great observation did we find the proper trail across a fairly wide (but shallow) and cold stream. 😄

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[deleted] t1_iy4reoo wrote

They were a little faded this summer, but still passable. I believe there's also maps online as a backup. Just be sure to get them before going as signal can be iffy depending on carrier.

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round_is_funny t1_iy1if00 wrote

Honestly? Walking around parks. If you have a dog to come with, that always makes it even better.

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insertsnamehere- OP t1_iy1mmi2 wrote

No dog. Parks are my usual go to. May just wind up there anyways. Just gets old after you've lived here your whole life.

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Dawnydiesel t1_iy1nu4a wrote

I go to Barnes n Noble, get a coffee, sit in the corner and read. I’ll do that for hours and always leave refreshed.

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ninjastyleot t1_iy1ng8z wrote

Botanical Gardens/Nathaniel Greene Park, Valley Watermill Park, Art Museum

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KTfl1 t1_iy1gba5 wrote

https://parkboard.org/joinnow

Have you tried yoga?

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insertsnamehere- OP t1_iy1h9hz wrote

Not since high school. I'm old and out of shape might be good for me. Just hate to start it and not be able to fully commit.

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houseofwarwick t1_iy1kapy wrote

Yoga performed badly has a lot of the same mental benefits as yoga performed well. If you take the plunge, drink lots of water afterwards!

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KTfl1 t1_iy1ig8d wrote

It's not competitive:) you can take an occasional class.

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elaborate_hoxha t1_iy26ooc wrote

You mentioned zen… check out Dhin Quang Buddhist Temple on High Street. They do an ‘open’ meditation sitting on Saturday mornings.

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WorldFoods t1_iy1iadq wrote

Do you like to read magazines? The library center has a nice magazine reading room.

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houseofwarwick t1_iy1kidy wrote

The Schweitzer branch has a few private reading rooms too…

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jollygreengentile t1_iy1ubwq wrote

Groupon typically has some really good deals on hair and nail services and massages. I got one for a float at Theta float spa a few years back and that was awesome and very relaxing.

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insertsnamehere- OP t1_iy1v2hk wrote

I had a coupon for a free float and lost it. How did you like it?

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jollygreengentile t1_iy1vw5j wrote

I really enjoyed it! Was a little hesitant due to a few movies lol but it was really nice. I felt euphoric and I swear I felt like I was being carried like a child at one point and hearing my grandparent’s voices talking with each other. My back has never popped as well as it has when I was in the tank and the end of the session. I really want to go again. I have 3 year old twin boys now, so I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be able to get me out without force 😂

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insertsnamehere- OP t1_iy20eb2 wrote

My youngest is 4 and she was suppose to be a twin. I can't imagine another child but I'm always so envious of those who got to have both! Butttt as a single mother of 3... i feel you ...this may be what I end up doing, thank you!

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sourdoughbreadlover t1_iy1wo6x wrote

Would you enjoy trying a new restaurant or coffee shop? Wander around a museum. See if you can find a massage therapist in your budget. Tours for Pythian Castle are around $15. Look into Firehouse Pottery or other make you own art places.

I know volunteering is an odd suggestion but it get you out of the house and in the community doing something you and the community benefits from. It feels pretty good to volunteer.

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Anonymous-Turtle-25 t1_iy2ol0s wrote

So idk what you’d define as not bank breaking but ill assume you wanna do something thats fun and free:

Obv the parks which from your responses it sounds like you’ve done that plenty of times

Museums (look up different ones, you might find one you like!)

You could go to the ice rink and maybe catch a local game of hockey maybe. Unless its MSU its usually free to just walk in and watch.

Top of the parking garage in downtown area (across from hurts donuts): maybe dangerous, but when there arent people parked up there doing drugs or whatever else they may be doing; its a beautiful view of springfield and downtown area. A great place to relax for a few minutes if you’re just tired and need a break from driving. Also a great place for pictures to show off your home town ;)

Idk if you’re a people person or a “i want to be alone” person but if you’re the first, maybe you could take a stroll through the mall. You dont have to buy anything but just go through and look at items (might help you find some christmas gifts!)

If you dont mind a little drive. About 25 minutes south of springfield on 65 is busick hiking trails. Its not a fancy organized trail like dogwood canyon further south. Its more of a untouched nature with a few designated trails. Great way to escape reality and just enjoy yourself and your own company. Dont get lost though, and be aware that there could be bears.

Some ideas that may cost some money:

Horseback riding (royal creek farm, unknown price)

Rage room springfield (i think $50 is the cheapest price they offer)

Batting cages (fun acre gives you 5 swings a quarter. I like to go there to escape sometimes.)

Zoo

If you have friends you wanna spend time with you could try the escape room or mini golf at fun acre or the new place on sunshine (fun acre is significantly cheaper).

Look at the christmas lights around bass pro

Go to an MSU sporting event (if they have any)

Horse carraige ride (Shires for Hire)

Those are just a few things off the top of my head

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SpaceCadet_Captain t1_iy25ax8 wrote

I am really happy to come across this post. I'm going to need to make this a list now 😅

I'm currently working on a diamond painting in my free time.

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Angus_Cornwall t1_iy1ki94 wrote

Put the phone down and not check Reddit 😁

Listen to some good tunes and chill at home

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insertsnamehere- OP t1_iy1me2l wrote

I literally never leave home except to go to work. I want away from the chaos. The laundry I need to fold. I don't have any social media and hardly use reddit. Soooo this probably won't do me much good in terms of trying to avoid a mental break down, unfortunately.

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Angus_Cornwall t1_iy1mtdu wrote

Springfield Nature Center, lots of trails to walk around and unwind

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petlove499 t1_iy23rv3 wrote

While gas isn’t the cheapest these days, one of my favorite things to do is go for a drive. I’ll usually just pick a road/direction and see where it takes me. I listen to podcasts, music, or audiobooks and roll the windows down if the weather permits. I’ll usually stop in whatever small town I’m passing through if it looks interesting and check out antique shops, coffee shops, diners. Walk around the square or parks. If there aren’t any good towns to stop through, gas station snacks are a good substitute.

If you want to drive all day, my favorite in NWA. Any combination of Jasper/Ponca/Eureka Springs is good for the soul.

Good luck! Hope you find your zen.

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MotherofaPickle t1_iy420x9 wrote

I think it’s A between Strafford and Fordland. Windy, lovely, excellent in good weather. Especially when the leaves start changing color or the trees are in bloom. (Not great in winter or when there’s a flash flood warning, though.)

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robzilla71173 t1_iy91790 wrote

Love that area. I go to Compton Hollow nearby a lot and there are some really beautiful hills and farms out along that drive. Fun roads too.

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malevolentk t1_iy24z3r wrote

I like to explore greenway trails - the end of the ward branch is really pretty

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segin t1_iy2colq wrote

Drop acid.

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These-Statement-5317 t1_iy1fdak wrote

Walk through the park. Read the Bible. Watch reruns.

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Fuselol t1_iy3h434 wrote

You got more triggered downvotes than the dude that said “drop acid”.

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