According to the Department of Health in the Philippines, there are at least 3.6 million Filipinos who are suffering from mental health issues. Various stressors contribute to this especially that we are still under a pandemic. To add to that, different personal, work, school, and familial problems are also experienced.

That being said, staying in the comfort of our homes does not do good all the time. There are times that staying inside our houses causes a lot more stress. This forces us to look for places outside that can give us a breather from all the stressors.

One of the perfect locations that one can go to are parks. With the greeneries and fresh air, a feeling of relaxation will surely come into place. With that, check out these amazing parks that you can visit for your next mental health break.

1. La Mesa Eco Park

La Mesa Eco Park is located in a 33 hectares of landscape at Novaliches, Quezon City. A perfect place to unwind and relax from the chaos in our daily living. A picture-perfect lush active park for your breaks and leisure time.

This park also allows you to dig into environmental awareness and conversation all while enjoying interactive activities and natural environments. Visitors can enjoy jogging, walking, meditating, and relaxing with fresh air and amazing scenery in the park along with your pets. You wouldn’t also worry about getting hungry as the food stalls are there around the area.

Visitors are also advised to bring an ID every visit. Although there is no entrance fee, visitors are enjoined to pay PHP 50.00 for vicinity maintenance.

2. Quezon Memorial Circle

A national park located at the heart of Quezon City. This ellipse-shaped park is bounded by the Elliptical road with a 66 meter tall mausoleum containing the remains of Manuel L. Quezon.

With the 27 hectare park, individuals can enjoy jogging, biking, and playing recreational activities with their families while being surrounded by patches of greenery and flowers. The park also encompasses food stalls, restaurants, and cafes around the area. Visitors can also rent bikes so they can roam around the area comfortably.

You don’t have to worry about admissions as the entrance fee for this park is free.

3. Ninoy Aquino Parks And Wildlife

Located at Elliptical Diliman, Quezon City, this 23.85 hectare park acts as an oasis inside the urbanized environment.

This nature park inside the city serves as a venue for biodiversity that provides outdoor recreational, civic, and educational activities for its visitors along with different ecotourism opportunities. You’ll surely appreciate the nature in this world-class ecotourism destination.

With more than 3,000 trees planted, various species of animals, and artificial lagoon, visitors can certainly reconnect to the environment.

There is a PHP 30.00 admission fee for adults and PHP 15.00 for students. Admission fees for senior citizens, PWDs, and children below 7 years old are free.

4. Rizal Park

Of course, the most famous park in Manila will be on our list.

A 58 hectares of open spaces, ornamental gardens, ponds, paved walks and wooded areas is located in the Ermita, Manila along Roxas Boulevard. Serving as the tropical oasis of the land, numerous recreational activities are made in this park. Visitors can stroll, practice sports, sing, bond, and enjoy picnics with your group or families.

At night, you can also enjoy watching the dancing fountains while feeling the breeze of the air. Admissions here are free so you can have your me time and cleanse your soul easily.

5. Ayala Triangle Gardens

Truly, a haven within the Philippines’ business community.

A landscape expanse of 20, 000 square meters occupied by hundreds of trees is located in the district of Makati City. Rain trees, Golden Palms, Fire trees, Kamuning, etc. are only some of the trees standing in this park.

Enjoy the wide open space with lush greenery and various art pieces around. Have a relaxing walk, stroll, and picnic with your friends while looking at a calm and beautiful contemporary oasis with your pets.

Worry no more as admissions are free.

6. Legazpi Active Park

One of the iconic parks in the country’s premier business district is Legazpi Active Park—a vision of a greener and refreshed city.

Enjoy seeing trees like Narra, Bagras, Mahogany, and Acacia while jogging around the park with your dogs. You may also opt to just chill and relax under the tree while doing picnics. Kids are widely welcome as this park also has a playground for them.

Have a pause from the madness of the city and enjoy serene surroundings and lush green landscape in Makati.

7. Salcedo Park

A pocket park located in the central business district of the country.

Jaime Velasquez Park, also known as Salcedo park, is a new and improved small urban pocket green park. With its improved jogging path, new fenced dog park, and renovated children’s playground, this park is perfect for family bondings. You won’t be worrying about your bikes as bike racks are available in the location.

Truly, Salcedo Park is a venue for wellness and reconnection. Enjoy the fresh air and sunlight in this relaxing sanctuary in Makati.

8. Filinvest City Central Park

A much needed breather from a stressful city life is a must.

A distinct and lush landscape is what Filinvest City Central Park or “The Great Lawn” is all about. With its wide open space, this park is perfect for Al Fresco events like concerts, festivals, bazaars, pet shows, etc.

Filinvest’s Central Park is a green park treat for individuals who just want a breath of freshness and integrate with nature for a balanced lifestyle. Visitors can jog, bike, practice sports, and even have a picnic in this wide comfortable space.

With all the chaos that has been happening around the corner, you should give yourself a break and take a breather. An hour or two, wouldn’t hurt right? Enjoy your mental health break and visit these parks for a soul cleanse.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/lamesaecoparkofficial/photos/pb.100064582216577.-2207520000../2563109367347109/?type=3, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=485619423597783&set=pb.100064491890790.-2207520000..&type=3, https://www.facebook.com/ayalaATG/photos/2131293910410199, https://www.facebook.com/makeitmakati/photos/a.234716536616844/4595241393897648/, https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL/photos/pcb.5662570827095077/5662569500428543/, https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=641311807256580&set=pcb.641312343923193, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2926767764202231&set=pcb.2926769660868708, https://www.facebook.com/makeitmakati/photos/pcb.4303559343065856/4303559149732542/