To coincide with Stress Awareness Month, University of Gloucestershire student Kaitlin Milisic shares some of her favourite ways to rest and relax around the county, from picnics to discovering independent businesses. 


This April marks National Stress-Free Month – a great time of year to embrace a more relaxed outlook.

With longer days finally in sight, we can finally begin to look forward to making the most of brighter evenings. There’s nothing like getting out into the sunshine to boost those feel-good hormones!

Everyone knows the winter months can be stressful. The cold and financial difficulties of Christmas can take their toll. Therefore, it’s important to take some time out to relax, and there’s no better time to start than right now.

If you have no idea where to start, we’ve come up with plenty of ideas to inspire you on how to embrace a more stress-free existence in Gloucestershire this April.

Getting out and about
Cheltenham is well known for its beautiful sights. Why not begin your weekend or end your day with a walk, taking in the stunning surroundings around you? Walking can help you appreciate what you have on your doorstep and as you stride out, you can digest any difficulties you need to overcome.

One of my favourite walks is through the leafy areas of Pittville Park, where you can end your stroll at Pittville Pump Room. While you’re there, you can stop outside with your own picnic full of all of the foods you love. If you want to spoil yourself with a nice treat, there is a kiosk by the children’s play area, Central Cross Cafe, and The Boathouse by the lower lake in the park.

And if you don’t want to sit outside just yet, don’t worry, as the Pump Room opens to the public in early May, allowing you to not only enjoy the sights from outside but also within the magnificent building!

If you’re looking for something similar to the Pump Room, with a mix of uplifting indoor and outdoor spaces, why not visit Gloucester Cathedral? Not only is the cathedral very picturesque, it’s also the perfect place to stop and have a picnic in the grounds.

If the weather isn’t playing ball, the cathedral also offers tours to members of the public. They’re perfect for all ages, and if you’re a Harry Potter fan you will particularly enjoy seeing where some of the movies were filmed. A tour really helps bring the characters and magic to life!

Savouring local food and drink
If going for walks isn’t your idea of relaxation, why not go out for some food and drinks, whether alone or with a friend you keep meaning to catch up with?

As it’s important to support local independent businesses, why not try Pickles on Regent Street in Cheltenham? Pickles is an independently-run café that’s made a name for itself serving up wonderful matcha, coffee, pastries and acai bowls.

It’s a perfect place to spend time feeling cosy and enjoying a warm drink or treat for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon wind-down. Should you go to Pickles, I suggest you try something from their specials menu. This is updated every month and features a flavoured latte and matcha, often tied to the season.

Trying a new hobby
If you’re looking to start a new hobby this April to help you unwind from the stresses of life and work, Pick a Pot and Paint in Cirencester is a great place to start.

Not only is it an independent business, meaning you are supporting local trade, but there is something for everyone to paint. Having lots of options means you will find a piece of pottery that suits you so you can get your creative juices flowing and let your imagination fly free.

Although some people find cooking rather stressful, why not try making a new dish with produce found at Stroud Farmers’ market, which is open from 9am to 2pm every Saturday?

Not only will going to this vibrant market give you ideas for new foods to try and help you become more adventurous in the kitchen, but it will also support our local farmers. The dishes you cook will taste even better because you’ll feel a sense of pride at ensuring your spending is empowering Gloucestershire growers. Not to mention, we all know fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables taste better than those you’d find in the supermarket.

Staying in and relaxing at home
For those of you who prefer to relax in the comfort of your own home, why not treat yourself to a new book and spend the evening with your feet up, enjoying a nice cup of tea, or a glass of wine, if that’s what you prefer? Lose yourself in a magical world of colourful characters from a new novel.

If you need inspiration on what to read, why not pop into Bishop’s Cleeve Bookstore on Church Road in Bishop’s Cleeve? As an independent bookshop, this is the perfect place to find a book that suits you and your interests.

Not only does this bookshop sell well-known authors, but it also sells up-and-coming writers, meaning there is something for every bookworm.

If price is an issue, Bishop’s Cleeve Bookstore also offers points as part of a loyalty scheme. It means from time-to-time you get a nice discount on the books you buy.

Reading may not be for everyone, so if you’re looking for other ways to relax in the comfort of your home, why not try Bullet Journaling? Doing this can help de-stress the mind because you can use this hobby to become more organised through using creative ways to make to-do lists and preserve precious memories.

Since the pandemic, many people have found enjoyment in Bullet Journaling and they have become part of a community on social media. This can be a great place to start if you need more inspiration for really bringing your pages to life.

If you are interested in this, but aren’t very creative, don’t let that stop you. Many people start off as beginners, or just enjoy doing it, especially on cold nights with a hot chocolate.


However you choose to de-stress this April, make sure you enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.