When you think of trying to work in more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, you might imagine high-energy, time-consuming activities like mountain climbing. While these physical feats can be highly enjoyable for some, you don’t have to push your body to the limit in order to spend time outside. In fact, you can increase the time you spend outdoors through everyday activities that fit easily into your schedule. The typical adult is indoors 90% of the time. If this sounds like you, it’s not too late to change this percentage. Here are 10 simple ways to spend more time outside.
1. RIDE YOUR BIKE TO THE OFFICE
If you hop on your bike to get to work, you’ll begin your day on a positive note. Biking gets your heart pumping, which provides the energy you’ll need for a productive workday. You’ll also benefit from fresh air and a clear mind. In addition, you’ll avoid having to deal with traffic jams and locating a parking space. You’ll save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint, too.
2. START A GARDEN WITH YOUR FAMILY
You don’t have to become a gardening expert to get a lot out of digging in the dirt. Start by planting a few flowers on either side of your front door or herbs in a pot you can place on your porch. Get your family involved and come up with more ideas together. You could devote a small patch of your backyard for growing your kids’ favorite veggies or a square of your front lawn to more flowers. Your whole family can enjoy working outside as a team and get some exercise while they’re digging or weeding.
3. SPEND YOUR LUNCH HOUR OUTSIDE
Find a nearby bench or picnic table and read a book while eating lunch. You could also just sit and take in nature if you’re lucky enough to be near a park or woods. Once you’re done eating, take a walk. You’ll come back to the office with more energy, creativity, and focus. Just be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your walk. In the United States, the typical family uses over 300 gallons of water at home daily. To reap the benefits of walking, you’ll need to stay hydrated.
4. TAKE YOUR WORKOUT OUT OF THE GYM
Instead of heading off to yet another session on the treadmill, try running in a park near your home or office. Alternatively, you could bring your yoga mat to your backyard and practice moves in the fresh air. You’ll awaken all your senses by exercising outdoors and you’ll come away more relaxed and exhilarated than if you’d worked out in a gym or studio. You might even inspire family members to exercise with you.
5. DO A LITTLE LANDSCAPING
You don’t have to be a professional to beautify your yard. Think of mowing the lawn as another chance to get outside and not just a chore. Visit a garden center to learn which shrubs are easy to plant and maintain. If you’re feeling ambitious, ask about trees you could add to your property. Almost 90% of real estate agents recommend that homeowners budget funds for landscaping before selling. Your family might enjoy nurturing growing things and beautifying your surroundings, all while increasing the value of your home. You can even take it further by adding fences by yourself, which can be easily done with a powered post driver and some basic tools..
6. VISIT A BOTANICAL GARDEN
A botanical garden is a great way for your kids to learn about nature while your whole family gets more outdoor time. You’ll learn about trees, flowers, and plants from cultures around the world. Look for special exhibitions highlighting exotic flowers like orchids and workshops about growing your own flowers and herbs. Be sure to pack a lunch so that your family can eat outside in gorgeous surroundings.
7. HOST SOCIAL GATHERINGS OUTSIDE
Instead of scheduling the usual meet-ups with friends at a restaurant or bar, host a spring barbecue or picnic in your backyard. Your guests may need to dress in a few more layers, but they’ll get a relaxing setting and lots of fresh air in return. If you and your friends are a little more adventurous, plan a camping trip at a nearby campground or rent kayaks for some fun on the water. These gatherings will be more memorable than just another dinner or round of drinks.
8. EXPLORE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
You may be reluctant to choose outdoor activities if you think you’ll get bored quickly. In that case, grab a camera or your smartphone and head to a park. Look for trees with twisted limbs or brightly colored leaves, birds, chipmunks, and even insects. You’ll lower your stress level by focusing on subjects to photograph and you might even find you have a knack for outdoor photography. If you post your photos on social media, you might inspire friends to head outside for their own shots.
9. LEAVE THE OFFICE AND WORK OUTDOORS
If you work remotely, you can work almost anywhere outdoors as long as you can tap into a Wi-Fi network. Those who work on-site at an office can take their laptop and cell phone to seating areas outside the office building for part of the day. You could even suggest having meetings with clients or coworkers outside. A different setting can be energizing and might lead to new ideas and solutions.
10. TURN OFF THE TV AND WATCH THE SUNSET
Many of us want nothing more than to hunker down on the sofa at the end of a tough workday and binge-watch our favorite TV shows. But this supports a sedentary lifestyle and will increase the amount of time you spend cooped up inside. Instead of staring at the screen, go outside and watch the sunset with a friend or family member. You’ll feel much more inspired by the beauty of the skies than you would by the adventures of familiar TV characters.
With minimal planning, you can find ways to maximize your time outside. The more time you spend outdoors, the more energized, creative, and relaxed you’ll feel. Whether you’re getting exercise, working on your laptop, socializing, taking photos, or learning about exotic plants and flowers, being outside will enhance the activity. If you get family, friends, and coworkers to join you in your outdoor adventures, you’ll enjoy these activities even more.
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