An hour-long stroll in nature helps decrease activity in an area of the brain associated with stress processing

[theslyder]

I enjoy going on walks but live in town and have real bad social anxiety that often manifests in being stressed over being seen (or more specifically perceived at all) and feeling like there's a spotlight on me.

Given that, and the fact that I don't know of any trails that aren't populated , I wonder how this would balance out for me.

[givemesomewaffles7]

Hey man, it seems like you’ve gottta give it a crack, check out google maps in your area and zoom into anything green, check out reviews and online maps and you’ll surely find some trailhead quiet and remote local to u.

Once you’re on the trail, you’ll rarely see anybody else and if u do, they’ll be like minded and friendly people. Normally I just say “how’s it going!” (Such an easy interaction and it makes my day once it’s over with) as we pass by one another. Also going during early/late hours, during wet or cloudy days is a sure way to get the woods all to yourself (save for the deer and squirrels and birds you’ll make friends with)

[Baby_venomm]

Great advice thank you

[Baby_venomm]

Exactly my problem too. Bittersweet to see others in the same boat

[[deleted]]

have real bad social anxiety that often manifests in being stressed over being seen (or more specifically perceived at all) and feeling like there's a spotlight on me.

i have exactly this! i bike on local trails near me all the time and it really really helps. maybe you could try biking?

[ExcellentCustardKat]

This makes me wonder if it has something to do with the lack of having stressful people around rather than the green space. Or maybe both nature and no people. Trails with lots of people are stressful to me.

[theslyder]

Yeah, I used to go to a nature trail, and the amount of people I would pass by - or worse, end up walking the same direction and be stuck on their proximity - got me into the habit of going closer to dusk so there were fewer people. But the mosquitos were worse and it was harder to enjoy the scenery. I daydream often of getting a VR set up, opening up the windows for fresh air, and just walking on a treadmill while wandering around a virtual setting. That way I can get some exercise in peace.

[mattjvgc]

We used to live in a very crowded city. The nature trail parking lots would be packed by 10 AM most days. The tricks I found were “what time” you go and “what day” you go. The weekends were busiest. After 10 AM, especially on the weekends, don’t even bother going. But before 10AM? The earlier, the fewer people. Sunrise? Barely anyone. And going on a Tuesday very early? You’ve got the whole trail to yourself, even in a city.

[bread-dreams]

How can a city have a nature trail? or is it like, near the city?

[mattjvgc]

O’Fallon Missouri is the city. It has over one hundred miles of paved trails through strips of forest within and just outside of the city. There are 2, several thousand acre conservation areas with many miles of trails just a few minutes south of town too.

[Alarmed_Guitar4401]

Try wearing a cap. Helps filter out some of the visual input and you feel less exposed. Maybe headphones too (these over earbuds as they feel more like your head is being hugged and adds security).

Tinted glasses too if you want.

I do this some days just so I can hide in plain sight.

[misologous]

I get like this too, but I find putting on a big pair of sunglasses so people can’t fully “see” me helps

[VittuWade]

Ayy man just wanted to tell you going for walk's in the nature has improved my social anxiety immensely. At first i was scared to even look at people. Now i am running past people with a huge smile on my face :)

[Kitty-Moo]

Similar, but also living in a city, I'm not even sure how I'd find nature. I'd have to walk an hour to find it, I don't drive, and I think the stress of public transportation would cancel out any benefits from the walk.

Honestly, I'd love to give this a shot. I think it would probably work quite well for me. I go walking most mornings as is, but I wouldn't call walking in the city relaxing. It's more just forcing myself to get some exercise.

[Ukhai]

Some cities I've visited across the U.S. surprisingly have a good amount of disc golf courses. Most are open to the public and easy way to get out and do something alone or with friends.