It’s not unusual to feel a little stressed this time of year. There’s so much to do, so many plans to make, and so many things to do. But it’s important to take time for yourself to avoid getting burned out. There are plenty of opportunities to step back and enjoy life for a while in Nebraska before you get back to your hectic life.

  1. Go for a walk or hike while you take in some stunning natural surroundings.

flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie

  1. Or go for a bike ride on one of the state’s many, many trails.

Wikimedia/Ammodramus This is part of the Cowboy Trail.

  1. Or just get out and be in nature. Pack a chilly-weather picnic along with some sweaters and a blanket and watch nature while you have a peaceful outdoor meal.

Journey to Western Nebraska

  1. Do a little winter bird watching. Not all of the birds leave Nebraska in the winter!

flickr/John Carrel

  1. Treat yourself to a day at the spa.

Lied Lodge We highly recommend the Lied Lodge spa in Nebraska City.

  1. Visit your local library and pick out a great book.

flickr/Michael Sauers Then go home, turn off your phone, and read all day.

  1. Go for a nice, leisurely drive in the country.

flickr/Mr. Nixter

  1. Take in one of Nebraska’s famous sunsets.

flickr/Kelly DeLay You can feel the tension melting away.

  1. Avoid watching this week’s football game.

flickr/Eric Langhorst We know it’s fun and you love it…but watching a heated game is definitely more stimulating than relaxing!

  1. Take a tour of one of Nebrsaka’s fine vineyards or wineries.

Silver Hills Winery May we make a few suggestions?/a>

  1. Get together with some good friends for drinks at your neighborhood bar.

flickr/Towle N This time-tested tradition is actually a pretty good way to wind down.

  1. If drinking isn’t your thing, how about meeting some friends at a local coffee shop for java and pastries?

flickr/Larry & Teddy Page

  1. Go stargazing in the middle of nowhere.

flickr/Jonathan Reyes Get away from the populated areas on a clear night and just look up. It’ll take your breath away. The big, fancy telescope is optional.

  1. Take in some art at one of Nebraska’s several fine art museums.

flickr/Paul Hohmann

  1. If you really want to treat yourself, take an entire weekend off and spend it at a romantic B & B.

The Farwell Arms We can help you find a few great ones here.

What do YOU do to de-stress and unwind when life gets to be a little too much for you? Contribute to the list with your own suggestions in the comments.

flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Wikimedia/Ammodramus

This is part of the Cowboy Trail.

Journey to Western Nebraska

flickr/John Carrel

Lied Lodge

We highly recommend the Lied Lodge spa in Nebraska City.

flickr/Michael Sauers

Then go home, turn off your phone, and read all day.

flickr/Mr. Nixter

flickr/Kelly DeLay

You can feel the tension melting away.

flickr/Eric Langhorst

We know it’s fun and you love it…but watching a heated game is definitely more stimulating than relaxing!

Silver Hills Winery

May we make a few suggestions?/a>

flickr/Towle N

This time-tested tradition is actually a pretty good way to wind down.

flickr/Larry & Teddy Page

flickr/Jonathan Reyes

Get away from the populated areas on a clear night and just look up. It’ll take your breath away. The big, fancy telescope is optional.

flickr/Paul Hohmann

The Farwell Arms

We can help you find a few great ones here.

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