The vet says abnormal behavior from the owner can stress cats out, the stress manifesting after accumulating over time. I don't understand. What could possibly trouble a little kitty? I pull all-nighters for work, and it sleeps with its paws up in the air; I smoke cheap cigarettes, and it eats the finest cat food; I trade my fallen hair for its sleek, shiny fur... So it gets depressed just because I pet it a bit more when I'm stressed?

I admit I've been a bit restless lately, my life rhythm disrupted. The 72-hour accounting limit and deadlines chase me. Every time I queue, masked, licking my own sweat from my lips, thinking of the pile of work awaiting me, my heart congests like peak hour traffic inside the third ring road.Even the countless renditions of "Summer Night's Breeze" can't alleviate the suffocation from the 50°C heat on the surface. I can only drink one iced Americano after another, telling myself it's okay. When another heatwave hits, I can't help but want to shout, "Boss, one iced Americano, make it bitter, as bitter as my life. "The emo of adulthood sometimes comes fiercely. So, on a scorching weekend, I decided to run away from home. The moment I dug out my long-forgotten outdoor gear, I realized: once, I was also a man who could just pick up and go.

The Long-missed Solo Outdoors

The moment you step into nature, you begin your outdoor activity, but we're gradually giving up on this instinct. This time, I decided to revisit the long-missed solo outdoors."Solo outdoors," these words alone can be intimidating, seeming fraught with difficulties and dangers. In reality, it's not just about going into the wild alone. Signing up with an outdoor group, going to a familiar campsite alone, or even just fishing, driving around to see the sunrise, or cycling can all be considered solo outdoor activities.So, as long as you're well-prepared and choose suitable activities and locations, solo outdoors isn't hard. You might even get hooked, given these irresistible perks:

Solo Camping, Where to Go?

Camping, hot this year, is also a great choice for solo outdoors. But the destination requires thought. Now, with more varied options for outdoor camping, choosing what suits you, solo camping isn't hard:

For me, the best is to choose a quiet place with fewer people, but not too remote. A brief getaway, like hide-and-seek, needs to ensure you can be found when necessary; otherwise, the game becomes dull, or even deadly.If you're not comfortable camping alone, it's better to choose a familiar campsite. Knowing there are people nearby can be reassuring and help you sleep better. Of course, if you opt for the wilderness, be well-prepared. Outdoor activities should never be undertaken blindly, and nature should never be underestimated.

Solo Camping Lightweight Gear:

Some personal choices for the refined middle-class:

• Canopy
• Cassette stove
• Fan
• My favorite coffee
• A good book
• Portable speaker

The leisure after labor is charming. But once truly away from the crowd, quieting down feels somewhat aimless. Maybe being a corporate slave for too long, I need to readjust to rediscover the feeling of being human.I spend a lot of time alone, but rarely relaxed. The sound of incoming messages always tugs at my nerves. Endless hot news on social media, various thoughts popping up in my mind, mental exhaustion, and emotional ruminations are constantly clamoring.But nature seems to have a magic power. Sitting here alone, it's as if I've ducked behind some barrier. When the playlist ends, the surroundings suddenly quiet down, and the sounds of cicadas, birds, and wind rustling through the leaves become particularly clear. Laughter from children occasionally drifts from a distance, diluted by the wind and leaves, turning into pleasant white noise. Passersby sometimes cast puzzled looks. How do you tell them that being alone doesn't mean being lonely? In truth, there's no need. Voicing it out always sounds like a feeble justification. Only those who've tried know the bliss. I've once again experienced an incomparable sense of peace and tranquility, such solitude making thinking and introspection easier. It prevents me from easily falling into negative emotions during the process. Perhaps, I should give myself more time alone outdoors. It doesn't have to be camping; it could be cycling, driving to the beach to watch a sunrise. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors alone.

As I pack up to return, I already feel much lighter than when I set out. Though I still have to face work when I get back, I feel now that problems, tackled one by one, aren't so daunting. However, in the end, I can't help but think of my cat. I'm certain, from now on, I'll give it more space, and myself too.

UV Editorial Team adds:
Nature indeed has magic!

"Studies show that within minutes of entering a forest, human brains and bodies start to change. Heart rates slow, blood pressure drops, muscles relax, the prefrontal cortex calms, cortisol levels decrease, and stress levels start to fall. Birdsong stimulates the brain to release alpha waves, making us more peaceful. Sun exposure boosts serotonin, improving mood. Phytoncides released by plants and trees have antibacterial effects on humans, enhancing the immune system. Scientific research proves that nature can make us happier, healthier, more relaxed, and the actual benefits might far exceed this."