Nine ways to spend more time outdoors

A lot of us spend most of our time sitting inside these days, thanks to demanding work schedules and a lot of indoor hobbies. If you work from home too, which more of us are than ever, it can be even more challenging to get out of the house. Spending time outside is important for our mental health. It can reduce stress and help you to be more active. If you need some inspiration to get out, here are a few ways to do it.

Use your local park

Getting outdoors doesn’t mean you need to take up hiking. Your local park has lots to offer. Go for walks around it, use any facilities like basketball courts, take advantage of the smooth paths for rollerskating, go for a picnic, or play with a Traxxas Maxx car with more space. 

Go camping

A lot of us haven’t had much chance to travel lately, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, and don’t feel quite ready to go off abroad. You can have a great break closer to home on a nearby campsite, and enjoy being closer to nature. 

Take up outdoors gardening

You can enjoy the great outdoors without even leaving your home. Turn your garden into a relaxing space. You could entertain outside, host barbecues, grow vegetables, or create space for meditation or yoga. If you have a family, the garden is a great place to play with the children. 

Try wild swimming

Wild swimming is swimming in natural water sources, like ponds, lakes, and rivers. A lot of people swear by this hobby and claim it has many benefits for the mind and body. Just make sure that where you choose to swim is safe. Swimming in the sea is a great option too if you live near the beach. 

Exercise outdoors

Swap the gym for the outside for some of your exercise time. You could take long walks, go running, go for bike rides, or use outdoor exercise facilities like outdoor gyms and sports courts. Get some fresh air while working out your body. 

Use your lunch break

Sitting at a desk all day is very bad for your health, but you can use your lunch break to get a break from your desk and get outside for some fresh air. Whether you go simple and just eat your lunch in the garden while working from home, or use your break to get out of the office and talk a walk, your lunch break can be a great way to get outside. 

Explore your city

Being outside doesn’t have to be in the countryside if that’s not your thing. You can also explore your city. Walk around a different neighborhood, look for new places to hang out, or walk around somewhere with beautiful buildings or interesting street art. 

Try a new outdoors hobby

If most of your hobbies are indoors, such as video gaming, try something that gets you outside, like golf, fishing, or rollerskating. Playing outside with your kids works too.

Go hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore nature, get some exercise, and clear your head. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker, either. Start with a simple walk in the woods or on easy trails nearby. Look out for local wildlife, enjoy the fresh air, and connect back with nature. Be sure to wear proper clothing and footwear, bring snacks and water, and tell someone you’re going before you leave. Enjoy the peace of nature as you take in its beauty. Once you get the hang of it, consider taking on a more challenging route or longer hikes to push yourself further.

You can hike alone or with friends, and it’s a great way to keep active. Have search and rescue teams at hand, and don’t forget to have your first aid kits ready if you go on a more challenging hike.