Do you treasure outdoor time?
If not, you may not have found your ideal outdoor activity just yet. But with warmer weather approaching, it’s time to start warming up to the idea of spending more time with mother nature. The health benefits are huge, too.
Those who spend time outdoors are happier and often experience both physical and mental health benefits. Outdoor time offers vitamin D boosts, decreases stress, and can even improve sleep habits. It can also strengthen mental capacities and increase attention spans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Start planning to soak up the sun and nature time. Here are 23 easy ways to do it.
If you’re lucky enough to live close to local trails or a national park, take advantage of hiking them as much as you can. Not only is hiking a great way to explore the great outdoors, but it also reduces your risk of heart disease and can lower your blood pressure, among other health benefits. Check out the AllTrails app to discover detailed reviews of local trails.
If your 2023 resolutions included getting more outdoor time, consider taking your phone calls outside. This works especially well for those who work from home. Whether you step out onto your balcony, or back patio, or stroll around the block, it gets you out in nature and in the sunshine.
If it’s reasonable for you, consider walking or biking to work. Not only is biking a great and gentle workout, but it can help you burn about 400 calories an hour — a must if you sit at a desk job all day. Walking — even if it’s to the bus stop or ferry — also offers health benefits like weight loss and increased mental health.
If you have a dog, you know they love the outdoors, too! If you work from home, make it a point to take your furry friend for a walk at the top of every hour. Or, break it up into play sessions in the yard of throwing a ball around and chasing your pup.
Hate that heavy, sluggish feeling after lunch? Take a stroll. Even a walk as short as two minutes can reduce your blood sugar and insulin levels. Since blood sugar levels will spike after eating and the insulin produced can lead to diabetes, a quick walk is a great way to prevent the spikes that cause health issues over time, according to WebMD.
There’s something relaxing about listening to nature. Whether it’s the birds chirping, water bubbling, or the wind blowing, nature sounds are good for your health. Research shows that even listening to nature sound recordings can decrease stress, lessen pain, and boost your mood.
If you love natural bodies of water, head to a nearby lake. Natural and manmade lakes offer plenty of recreational opportunities, including swimming, walking nearby trails, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Recline in nature’s best furniture in your favorite park with a good book. Reading in bright, natural light can stimulate the visual brain more effectively. It can help individuals see objects and letters better, according to one study published by the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry.
Gardening is a great way to get outdoors and exercise. Whether you love flowers, herbs, or spices, you can create a variety of gardening areas in your yard — no matter the size. If you live in a city, a porch planter box is always an option. You can also help out in a community garden or start one. Cleaning up and gardening public spaces is shown to reduce neighborhood crime by 13% and reduce nearby residents' feelings of depression by 41%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Related: How to Start an Employee Garden
Not only does dancing release feel-good hormones, but it also is a great physical activity. Do it outdoors and in the rain (if it’s not lightning, of course) for a free-spirited activity that brings out your inner child.
Need to catch up with a colleague or brainstorm for an upcoming project? A simple way to get more outdoor time is to just head outside for a walking meeting. It can stimulate creativity and always offers better scenery than a conference room. If you have to be on the phone, grab some headphones and walk and talk.
If you love a change of scenery, consider packing a picnic and enjoying a meal outdoors. It can be in your backyard or at a park. Wherever you go, challenge yourself to put your phone away and use your five senses to enjoy the picnic. It will be a sensory-filled event and may even give you a better appreciation for nature.
Catch up with your neighbors (or colleagues) by taking a daily stroll around the block each day. Don’t forget to point out natural beauty along the way and take it all in with each and every step.
Make an effort to get out every day for a month and snap a new photo of nature. It can be a flower, the woods behind your house, the woodpecker on your tree, your dog out in the yard — anything outside that reflects nature in your favorite ways.
Gardens are a wonderful way to experience nature’s brightest colors in a relaxing way. Viewing greenery and flowers can positively impact your mood. In fact, one Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital study found that those who don’t consider themselves “morning people” realized looking at flowers first thing in the morning made them feel more energetic and positive.
Love the water? Find a local pier at a park or beach and enjoy your time out there. Bring along a fishing pole, a journaling notebook, or even a book to make it an even more relaxing experience outdoors.
If your walkway is looking rough, freshen it up. Spend time sweeping, pressure washing, painting, adding new potted flowers, or whatever you like to make it look welcoming to you and any guests who stop by.
When was the last time you flew a kite? It’s not just for kids, but if you have kiddos, they’ll certainly love this activity. Grab a kite or a DIY kite and head to a huge field or park to fly it. Running around gives you a good cardio boost and the wind in your hair and on your face will remind you of childhood all over again.
Check out your local farmers market when they’re around in your area. Not only does it allow you to find out exactly where your food is sourced from, but you can learn creative ways to prepare your food, too. An added benefit is enjoying fresh air while walking around open-air booths!
Take your kids to a playground and invite your inner child to play, too. Whether it’s a game of freeze tag, dodgeball, or swinging on the swings, watch the joy on your child’s face as you enjoy the outdoors with them.
The outdoors is where you cannot help but engage all five senses. It’s relaxing, especially if tied to a hobby. Whether you pick up skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kiteboarding, golf, or another warmer-weather outdoor hobby, get outside to do it as often as possible!
Set up chairs and a table on your back patio or backyard and opt for a meal outside. Whether you take a break from remote work and eat your lunch outside, or go for the whole BBQ dinner experience, the fresh air and sounds of nature complement a good meal naturally.
There’s nothing that compares to an outdoor experience like camping. You can fully immerse yourself in nature and expose your five senses to the wonders of the wild. Check out camping websites and local parks and plan a solo trip or weekend out with friends to embrace all that nature has to offer.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. As winter fades and spring and summer follow, take advantage of all the ways you can explore nature. Whether it’s hiking a new trail every weekend or taking your kids to a new park with every outing, make nature time a priority.
Not only will it get you out to explore your local natural beauty, but it will also increase your physical and mental health. Nature can be a healing and restorative setting for anyone open to the power of its beauty and wellness benefits.
Take this list and go enjoy the beautiful outdoors and all the extra benefits of being outside!
How do you enjoy your time outdoors? Share your insights down below!