Courtesy of our global FP Team…
As you’re planning out your summer weekends and getaways (I’ve been doing this since April 2020), science begs you to consider spending some of that free time outdoors. Why?
Besides freeing yourself from the grasp of technology, immersing yourself in nature for TWO hours per week could help to:
Decrease your cortisol (stress hormone) levels
Minimize your mental fatigue
Combat depression and anxiety
Lower your blood pressure
Improve your overall well-being
And that’s just the beginning.
We asked 9 members of our FP family to tell us about the wide, open spaces that sit in their respective backyards -- across the US, as well as in the UK and Australia -- as a gentle reminder to look at what’s waiting for YOU to discover, explore, and just plain lose yourself in.
Besides freeing yourself from the grasp of technology, immersing yourself in nature for TWO hours per week could help to:
Decrease your cortisol (stress hormone) levels
Minimize your mental fatigue
Combat depression and anxiety
Lower your blood pressure
Improve your overall well-being
And that’s just the beginning.
We asked 9 members of our FP family to tell us about the wide, open spaces that sit in their respective backyards -- across the US, as well as in the UK and Australia -- as a gentle reminder to look at what’s waiting for YOU to discover, explore, and just plain lose yourself in.
JANA -- AUSTRALIA
Brand affiliation: FP social/editorial team, freelance photographer
Why the great outdoors? Because the sunshine keeps me truckin’ along! :)
Favorite backyard getaway: The Pass.
Where is it? Byron Bay, Australia…nestled in a little pocket of the bay, just next to the most easterly point of AUS.
Why do you love it? I love The Pass because I love to surf. It’s a dreamboat beach that produces some of the best little waves in the world…a perfect point break that feeds me fun every day.
Why the great outdoors? Because the sunshine keeps me truckin’ along! :)
Favorite backyard getaway: The Pass.
Where is it? Byron Bay, Australia…nestled in a little pocket of the bay, just next to the most easterly point of AUS.
Why do you love it? I love The Pass because I love to surf. It’s a dreamboat beach that produces some of the best little waves in the world…a perfect point break that feeds me fun every day.
What do you do there? Slide through the water and ease my mind.
How does it make you feel? So happy! And so calm. Surfing is my stress reliever. When I’m in the water, worries don’t exist anymore. It clears my head -- it’s like a big deep breath in and out.
What are you bringing with you?
How does it make you feel? So happy! And so calm. Surfing is my stress reliever. When I’m in the water, worries don’t exist anymore. It clears my head -- it’s like a big deep breath in and out.
What are you bringing with you?
AMBER -- COLORADO
Brand affiliation: Long-time FP family member
Why the great outdoors? There is nothing more invigorating yet peaceful, natural yet unreal, healing, wonderous and time-warping like the great outdoors. Mother Earth is the beginning and the end. She is powerful and fearless... a teacher of grace and a student with endless opportunity. Let's do our part in keeping the great outdoors clean and healthy!
Your favorite"backyard" getaway: Golden, Colorado. It's a 10-minute drive from my house, comfortably nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Most of my activities are planned in Golden on a daily basis, whether it be a trail run around North Table, a hike up Lookout Mountain, a mountain bike ride on Green, or a tubing adventure down the Clear Creek. The adventures are endless and never get old. I love how you can see both the Rockies and Denver anywhere from the top! Being active while outdoors is my medicine, so I always aim at moving daily to feel both rejuvenated and connected to Mother Earth. I love wearing the Good Karma Square Neck bra on my bike rides, and it's always good to have a layer in Colorado, like the High Jump Long Sleeve.
Why the great outdoors? There is nothing more invigorating yet peaceful, natural yet unreal, healing, wonderous and time-warping like the great outdoors. Mother Earth is the beginning and the end. She is powerful and fearless... a teacher of grace and a student with endless opportunity. Let's do our part in keeping the great outdoors clean and healthy!
Your favorite"backyard" getaway: Golden, Colorado. It's a 10-minute drive from my house, comfortably nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Most of my activities are planned in Golden on a daily basis, whether it be a trail run around North Table, a hike up Lookout Mountain, a mountain bike ride on Green, or a tubing adventure down the Clear Creek. The adventures are endless and never get old. I love how you can see both the Rockies and Denver anywhere from the top! Being active while outdoors is my medicine, so I always aim at moving daily to feel both rejuvenated and connected to Mother Earth. I love wearing the Good Karma Square Neck bra on my bike rides, and it's always good to have a layer in Colorado, like the High Jump Long Sleeve.
What are you bringing with you?
EBONY -- UK
Brand affiliation: Free People Wholesale International Creative Director (based in UK)
Why the great outdoors? For me it is a place of solace, a place to take deep breaths, clear your thoughts and reset your intentions. The outdoors can inspire ideas, rid any stress and spark positive manifestations.
Your favourite “backyard”? Arnot Hill Park.
Where is it? A beautiful Green Flag award-winning park set in the leafy suburbs of my hometown, Nottingham. Green Flag is a benchmark national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces in the UK.
Why the great outdoors? For me it is a place of solace, a place to take deep breaths, clear your thoughts and reset your intentions. The outdoors can inspire ideas, rid any stress and spark positive manifestations.
Your favourite “backyard”? Arnot Hill Park.
Where is it? A beautiful Green Flag award-winning park set in the leafy suburbs of my hometown, Nottingham. Green Flag is a benchmark national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces in the UK.
Why do you love it? It’s a hidden gem complete with amazing trees/plants, friendly birds, sensory gardens and a stunning rose garden. It is also home to an arts trail comprised of over 20 wood carvings, murals, ceramic pieces and mosaics. The art work has been produced by professional artists working alongside community groups and schools from the across the borough.
What do you do there? Sometimes I run or walk around the 1km accessible route, but more often I find a quiet nook to stop and meditate, read a personal development book and drink water. It is the perfect spot to appreciate the small things in life and to get away from the noise of everyday life.
How does it make you feel? I always feel like I hit a huge reset button. I feel lighter, happier, stronger and more focused.
What are you bringing with you?
What do you do there? Sometimes I run or walk around the 1km accessible route, but more often I find a quiet nook to stop and meditate, read a personal development book and drink water. It is the perfect spot to appreciate the small things in life and to get away from the noise of everyday life.
How does it make you feel? I always feel like I hit a huge reset button. I feel lighter, happier, stronger and more focused.
What are you bringing with you?
BECKY -- ILLINOIS
Brand affiliation: Free People & FP Movement -- Wicker Park, Chicago
Why the great outdoors? It brings me so much joy! I love feeling the sunshine and fresh air on my skin. I also grew up doing a lot of outdoor activities with my parents, so it gives me a sense of home!
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: The lakefront of Lake Michigan.
Where is it? Right off the Chicago lakefront trail by the Northwest side of the city.
Why do you love it/what do you do there? I love doing everything here! Swimming and jumping into the water, rollerblading along the trail, hanging on my hammock and reading, and even coming to watch the sunset with friends and having a picnic. It is truly my happy place. I love it because it allows me to get the experience of nature and open space in the big city.
How does it make you feel? It brings me so much joy that I can’t even put it into words. It’s a beautiful feeling of nostalgia every time I am by the lake doing something. I wish I could bottle that feeling up!
Why the great outdoors? It brings me so much joy! I love feeling the sunshine and fresh air on my skin. I also grew up doing a lot of outdoor activities with my parents, so it gives me a sense of home!
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: The lakefront of Lake Michigan.
Where is it? Right off the Chicago lakefront trail by the Northwest side of the city.
Why do you love it/what do you do there? I love doing everything here! Swimming and jumping into the water, rollerblading along the trail, hanging on my hammock and reading, and even coming to watch the sunset with friends and having a picnic. It is truly my happy place. I love it because it allows me to get the experience of nature and open space in the big city.
How does it make you feel? It brings me so much joy that I can’t even put it into words. It’s a beautiful feeling of nostalgia every time I am by the lake doing something. I wish I could bottle that feeling up!
What are you bringing with you?
JACKIE -- FLORIDA
Brand affiliation: FP Movement Sr. Store Brand Leader, CocoWalk -- Miami, FL
Why the great outdoors? Fresh salty air!
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: La Playa! Living on Miami Beach gives me access to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. I’m a South Florida native -- therefore, a beach girl through and through.
Where is it? Just a 5-minute bike ride away. I’m wildly grateful to live so close to the water.
Why do you love it? Being near water provides a long list of benefits for our mind and body. The movement of the water is therapeutic, and the saltiness is healing; seeing it at sunrise — that brings hope. Let’s say, I’ve never regretted a morning at the beach.
What do you do there? I typically ride my bike to my favorite street, I set up my beach base and take in the sounds and views. Some days the water is still and calm, other days she’s loud and unruly. I love that. Aren’t we similar? Some days I run, some days I sit but, in the end, the reward is the same.
Why the great outdoors? Fresh salty air!
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: La Playa! Living on Miami Beach gives me access to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. I’m a South Florida native -- therefore, a beach girl through and through.
Where is it? Just a 5-minute bike ride away. I’m wildly grateful to live so close to the water.
Why do you love it? Being near water provides a long list of benefits for our mind and body. The movement of the water is therapeutic, and the saltiness is healing; seeing it at sunrise — that brings hope. Let’s say, I’ve never regretted a morning at the beach.
What do you do there? I typically ride my bike to my favorite street, I set up my beach base and take in the sounds and views. Some days the water is still and calm, other days she’s loud and unruly. I love that. Aren’t we similar? Some days I run, some days I sit but, in the end, the reward is the same.
How does it make you feel? Energized and clear.
What are you bringing with you?
What are you bringing with you?
MICHELLE -- CALIFORNIA
Brand affiliation: Movement Store Brand Leader -- Century City, CA
Why the great outdoors? Nature is my go-to for connecting with both myself and the greater collective, all at once.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Santa Monica Boardwalk.
Where is it? Santa Monica, CA.
Why do you love it? There are so many options to take advantage of -- all sorts of energy along the boardwalk with pockets of stillness waiting under the pier.
What do you do there? Sometimes I bring my mat for beach yoga, sometimes I run along the pier, or skateboard along the boardwalk. There are Acro yogis and slackliners willing to share their practices, and plenty of open beach for relaxing.
How does it make you feel? Alive, full, and expansive.
What are you bringing with you?
Why the great outdoors? Nature is my go-to for connecting with both myself and the greater collective, all at once.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Santa Monica Boardwalk.
Where is it? Santa Monica, CA.
Why do you love it? There are so many options to take advantage of -- all sorts of energy along the boardwalk with pockets of stillness waiting under the pier.
What do you do there? Sometimes I bring my mat for beach yoga, sometimes I run along the pier, or skateboard along the boardwalk. There are Acro yogis and slackliners willing to share their practices, and plenty of open beach for relaxing.
How does it make you feel? Alive, full, and expansive.
What are you bringing with you?
BRIA -- COLORADO
Brand affiliation: FP Movement – Boulder, CO
Why the great outdoors? Moving through nature is such powerful therapy. Exploring the outdoors and connecting to the earth is my favorite way to recharge and clear my mind.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Where is it? Boulder County, CO.
Why do you love it? It is such an accessible oasis -- right in my backyard -- that allows me to pursue my passion of running while also being immersed in the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Why the great outdoors? Moving through nature is such powerful therapy. Exploring the outdoors and connecting to the earth is my favorite way to recharge and clear my mind.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Where is it? Boulder County, CO.
Why do you love it? It is such an accessible oasis -- right in my backyard -- that allows me to pursue my passion of running while also being immersed in the beauty and tranquility of nature.
What do you do there? Trail running!
How does it make you feel? Centered, present in the moment, inspired.
What are you bringing with you?
How does it make you feel? Centered, present in the moment, inspired.
What are you bringing with you?
NICOLE -- TEXAS
Brand affiliation: Regional Ambassador -- Austin, TX
Why the great outdoors? Getting outside gives me a chance to breathe, unwind, and connect with myself and nature.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Paddle Boarding!
Where is it? Lady Bird Lake/Barton Springs in Austin.
Why do you love it? Being out on the water is so relaxing to me! And it’s so manageable to head out for just 30-60 minutes if that’s all my schedule allows for.
What do you do there? Paddle, lay out in the sun, listen to music, and enjoy a friend or my fiancé’s company. If it’s hot enough, I’ll jump in for a swim!
Why the great outdoors? Getting outside gives me a chance to breathe, unwind, and connect with myself and nature.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Paddle Boarding!
Where is it? Lady Bird Lake/Barton Springs in Austin.
Why do you love it? Being out on the water is so relaxing to me! And it’s so manageable to head out for just 30-60 minutes if that’s all my schedule allows for.
What do you do there? Paddle, lay out in the sun, listen to music, and enjoy a friend or my fiancé’s company. If it’s hot enough, I’ll jump in for a swim!
How does it make you feel? Relaxed and so grateful.
What are you bringing with you?
What are you bringing with you?
HANNAH -- NEW YORK
Brand affiliation: FP Influencer Marketing Manager
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Central Park!
Where is it? Just a quick subway ride from my apartment in lower Manhattan.
Why do you love it? As a Santa Monica native, one of my biggest adjustments in moving to New York was accessibility to nature. I was so accustomed to having the mountains, deserts and beaches being a stone’s throw away. Since moving, Central Park has become my oasis in this gridlocked city. The beauty of Central Park is ever-changing and evolving – in the fall, it’s a sea of rich oranges, yellows and reds; in the summer, it’s a party, and in winter it’s moody and crisp. After a long winter, CP is screaming spring. It seems like every New Yorker has come out to celebrate this change of season and it is truly a magical site.
Your favorite “backyard” getaway: Central Park!
Where is it? Just a quick subway ride from my apartment in lower Manhattan.
Why do you love it? As a Santa Monica native, one of my biggest adjustments in moving to New York was accessibility to nature. I was so accustomed to having the mountains, deserts and beaches being a stone’s throw away. Since moving, Central Park has become my oasis in this gridlocked city. The beauty of Central Park is ever-changing and evolving – in the fall, it’s a sea of rich oranges, yellows and reds; in the summer, it’s a party, and in winter it’s moody and crisp. After a long winter, CP is screaming spring. It seems like every New Yorker has come out to celebrate this change of season and it is truly a magical site.
What do you do there? Grab a coffee or smoothie and just walk -- either solo or with a friend! You can cover so much ground and find so much diversity in the topography and scenery. It is also just quintessential New York.
How does it make you feel? Delighted. Grateful.
What are you bringing with you?
How does it make you feel? Delighted. Grateful.
What are you bringing with you?
More To Read
CARE FP
Safe Spaces In Wide Open Places
Introducing the National Park Foundation’s Inclusion Crews...
QUEST FOR CALM
11 Ways You Can De-Stress Right Now
Self-care stories from Team FP…
CARE FP
Give KINDLY, And Randomly
Because giving back doesn’t have to stick to a schedule.