sustainability on college campuses
12 Ways to Get Outside More and Why It’s Important
Whether you’re a kid, parent, student, teen or adult, getting outside and spending time outdoors is so important. Science has shown that humans have a positive physiological response to being outside in nature, and it comes with a huge array of other benefits. Regardless of who you are, what you do for work or play, or where you live, the benefits of getting outside are good for both your physical and mental health. Combined with the feeling of being more connected to your surroundings, these core benefits work together to increase your overall wellness, reduce stress, and help you relax.
This being said, we know life is busy. Whether you’re raising kids, studying in school, working a busy job, or anything else, adding extra tasks to your daily to do list may seem daunting. However, with the many benefits of getting outside, the extra conscious effort you make to get outside will be well worth it.
Keeping in mind busy schedules and sometimes limited outdoor space, here are 12 outdoor things to do to help get you outside and enjoy all the benefits.
- Schedule a walk, solo or with a friend/colleague. Having someone to hold you accountable to the plan will help make sure you stick to it. Plus, who doesn’t want some time to catch up about your latest binge-worthy series, or that new coffee machine they put in the office?
2) Eat outside. Whether its during your lunch break at work or school, or for dinner when you get home at the end of the day, if you’re already going to be sitting to eat you might as well take in some nature while you do it.
best outdoor activities
3) Find a new sport or outdoor hobby. Ever tried snowshoeing, cross country skiing, maybe even beach volleyball? Many outdoor activities are a ton of fun and are a great way to get you outside and moving. A lot of activities are either free or very inexpensive.
4) Get connected to your local community center. Whether or not you know about it, most neighborhoods or cities have a local community center. They typically host or run different types of outdoor events from time to time, from group walks, to fundraiser runs, to swimming sessions. Sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date on all the events they are hosting!
things to do outside when your bored at home
Author
Abby Maxwell
5) Walk your dog, or consider getting a dog. Dogs are a great companion, but they also help you get outside more! If you don’t have a dog or getting a dog is not possible where you live, ask your neighbor or friend if they want you to walk their dog once in a while!
6) Plant a garden. Whatever your typical lifestyle looks like, gardening is a great hobby that not only helps you get outside but can also cut your grocery bill! If you live in an apartment or don’t have outdoor space, consider window boxes or check if your neighborhood has a community garden!
things to do outside the house
7) Check out your nearby trails. Most areas, whether urban or rural, tend to have a variety of either walking, biking, or hiking trails close by. Give yourself the opportunity to see new areas of your neighborhood while enjoying the great outdoors.
8) Take your phone calls outside. Waiting on hold for the bank, talking to your mom, calling a friend, or in a meeting? Take your call outside! Find a nice bench, go for a stroll, or people watch while you chat.
9) Plan outdoor outings weeks or months in advance. If you’re reading this list and thinking you’re still just too busy to spend time getting outside, make a plan to have an outdoor outing far in advance so you know you have the time. Invite a friend or family member, they will appreciate the invite and you will be held accountable!
10) Visit your local farmer’s market. Most cities, towns, and neighborhoods have some version of a farmers market or flea market, whether on the weekends only or weekdays too. Lots of them are outdoors, and are a great way to meet new people, get outside, and find some delicious fresh goods.
11) Set up a hammock. Whether you have space in your backyard, or take it to your local park, setting up a hammock is a relaxing way to spend time in nature. Read a book, do some work, or take a nap while breathing in the fresh air.
12) Try out geocaching. If you’ve never heard of it, geocaching is an outdoor activity where you use clues, navigation skills, or a GPS to follow clues and find a hidden “geocache”. Just look up “geocaching near me” or visit geocache.com to find out more and get started on your first hunt.
However you feel like getting outside, remind yourself of the many benefits you will get from it. Taking time to get outside is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, and it also provides a great opportunity to see new things, spend time with friends and family, and boost your mood. Enjoy the fresh air!
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