We all know the good outdoors are, well, good for you. Studies have shown the health benefits of just being outside, and I can say from personal experience that I always feel better when I go outside.
It can be hard to do that, however, with bad weather, busy lives, and our sedentary lifestyle that generally does not involve outdoor time. Luckily, you can find some easy ways to get some more outside time in your day. Here are some ways to take in more fresh air:
1. Bike places.
If you have biking lanes or sidewalks you share with foot traffic, grab your bike and go for a ride. It’s another great form of exercise and allows you to see the sights around you. Plus, it’s better for the environment than driving a car, making it a win-win situation!
2. Take a neighborhood walk
Walking is a great, simple form of exercise that’s accessible to many people. If you have sidewalks in your neighborhood, consider giving it a stroll in the morning. I love getting up early before work and the world wakes up and walking around my neighborhood. It brings a sense of calm to life, especially when it gets chaotic.
3. Go to the park
The park is a great place to get exercise as well. Many parks have trails, so you can easily walk outside. And of course, you can do other things, like have a picnic date, play on the playground like you’re a kid again, or just talk with friends (or people watch!)]
4. Visit the beach
If you’re lucky enough to live or vacation in an area near the beach, why not take advantage of that? Studies have shown the health benefits of spending time in blue space (near the ocean and water in general): You don’t even have to do it in summer only; why not take a stroll on the beach and watch the waves crash during the colder months of the year?
5. Photograph the world around you
I love capturing the moment, and it’s even easier to do that with smartphones now. If you also like photography, and you have a smartphone or camera you’ve been itching to use, consider taking some outdoor shots. They tend to turn out better than indoor ones because of the natural light, and you can capture yourself, nature itself, or both. Plus, you get to add a new hobby and some creativity to your life with photography!
6. Eat outside
You don’t have to have a fancy or planned picnic to eat outside. If it’s nice out, why not grab lunch outside during your work break, or on campus in between classes? Nothing quite beats eating a homemade sandwich while sitting on a blanket and basking in the breeze.
7. Rest in the shade
Back in college, a lot of students hung hammocks around the large trees we had on campus, taking naps or just relaxing on them in the middle of the day. If you have a hammock, and you’ve got some sturdy trees nearby, consider hanging them on the trees and lying down on them. There’s something very relaxing about just laying in nature. It brings you a sense of calm and mindfulness, and it could even lull you to sleep!
As you can see, there are many ways you can spend more time outdoors.
It may take time and effort, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. And you will reap the benefits of soaking in vitamin D from the sun and breathing the outside air. Our bodies love to be in nature, and stepping outside for even just ten minutes can do wonders for your mental health and overall well-being.
How have you found ways to spend more time outdoors? Let us know in the comments below!
