03/07/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | JULY 3, 2025

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I T is easy to feel overwhelmed or simply drained in this chaotic life, but one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to unwind is through connection especially with friends who know just how to lift your spirits. Here are eight activities that you and your crew can do together to release stress and recharge your mental well-being. Go on nature escape When life gets noisy, sometimes the best remedy is a little silence or at least the kind that comes with birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind. Organising a short hike, waterfall picnics or a weekend trip to the hills allows you to reconnect with nature and each other. Being outdoors reduces stress hormones and improves mood. No mobile signal means more real conversations and less doom-scrolling. Try group workout or dance class Endorphins are your body’s natural mood boosters and nothing gets them going like moving together. Activities such as spin class, Zumba session, pilates, boxing bootcamp and exercising in a group create a sense of camaraderie and accountability. If you are not into gym, you can host a living room dance-off or join a K-pop choreography class together – the sillier, the better. Moving your body, laughing, joking around and sweating it out with friends is one of the fastest ways to feel better. Host no-pressure game night Not every hangout needs to involve elaborate plans. Sometimes, staying in is the perfect solution especially when paired with nostalgic card games, ridiculous board games or a competitive round of charades. Choose games that bring out laughter, friendly rivalry and maybe even some storytelling. Game nights are a low-cost, low-effort way to build connection, and they are excellent for letting your inner child out for a while. Go on ‘no plans’ adventure There is something healing about spontaneity. Instead of scheduling every minute, gather your friends, hop in a car and let the day unfold. Maybe Ű BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN

Laughter and movement with friends are some of the best stress relievers.

Fun stress-busting activities to do with friends

o Laughter, connection make best medicine

Have DIY spa night For those days when you are too exhausted to go out but still want quality time, a DIY spa night is the ultimate chill-out session. Think face masks, calming music, essential oils, foot soaks and maybe even DIY manicures. Set the mood with soft lighting, snacks and comfy robes. It is equal parts self-care and bonding session and unlike actual spas, it will not cost a fortune. Attend creative workshop together Art, even when you are not “good” at

you will discover new places to shop at, or stumble upon cute cafes and live music. The main goal is to release expectations with no itinerary, just a shared experience where the journey matters more than the destination.

Spontaneous adventures and silly game nights can lift the heaviest moods.

Volunteer for cause you care about Helping others might not seem like the obvious choice for stress relief, but volunteering can significantly improve mood. Doing it with friends doubles the impact, emotionally and socially. There is a lot of work you can look for such as helping out at an animal shelter, distributing meals or assisting at a local community event – giving back brings perspective and a deep sense of fulfilment. It serves as a reminder for you and your circle that even on your worst days, you have something meaningful to offer. Stress is part of life, but bottling it up never ends well. The good news is you do not have to go through it alone. Surrounding yourself with people who make you laugh, listen without judgment, lift you up through shared joy and genuinely care about you is one of the healthiest ways to cope. So next time you are feeling the pressure mount, you know what to do. You might be surprised at just how healing a few hours with friends can be.

it, is incredibly therapeutic. Look for pottery classes, sip-and-paint sessions, journalling circles or batik-making workshops. Creating something with your hands helps to slow racing thoughts – and doing it alongside friends builds a shared memory that lasts far beyond the final product. Plus, it is an ideal excuse to unplug and do something that is just for you. It is always fun to work on something that has no deadlines and pressure. Plan themed potluck or movie marathon Food and films are the winning combo for feel-good vibes. Choose a theme such as 90s rom-coms, comedy, thriller or even horror and have each person bring a dish that fits. It is a simple way to share comfort food, debate about which movie character deserved better and unwind without leaving the house. If you are feeling fancy, make it a pajama dress code with blankets and lights.

True connection is the ultimate antidote to everyday burnout. – ALL PICS BY FREEPIK