There have been numerous studies on the positive effects of spending more time outdoors. From improving mental health to lowering blood pressure and even reducing the risk of Type II diabetes, there’s no disputing the benefits of being in the great outdoors. The good news is that there are many ways that you can prioritize going outside more, and while some require a little planning and some equipment, others require that you get dressed. If you’re tired of spending time cooped up indoors, here are the six best activities that will get you outdoors and enjoying all of the benefits of the world around us.
Your Local Park
Most of us have some kind of park or natural green space close to home, even those people living in the heart of the city. Exploring those parks, whether they are man-made or natural, is easy to do, and great for your mental health. On sunny days, you’ll also get an essential boost in vitamin D levels, and that’s great for combating depression and anxiety. Head to your local green space for a walk or a run (or even to sit and relax), and you’ll start to feel much more positive.
Go Fishing
One of the most sedate outdoor activities to enjoy, even if you’ve never been fishing before it’s something that anyone can do. It can take some practice to become brilliant, but even amateurs can manage to see a lot of success if they do a little research. Head to your nearest fly fishing shop today and talk to the staff. They will advise you on the best beginner equipment and can even give you fishing tips if you need them. When fishing can be something that you dedicate as much or as little time to as you have, it’s one of the best ways to start spending more time outdoors.
Stargazing
Not all of your outdoor adventures need to take place during the day. There’s something very special about driving to somewhere as remote as possible, laying out a blanket, and staring at the universe. Take friends or family, a telescope, and some warm drinks, and you may not ever want the night to end. If you decide that stargazing is something for you, download some apps that will make it easier to identify constellations. Remember to check weather reports for excessive cloud cover, and your night of being witness to the glory of the night sky will be much more satisfying.
Start Gardening
If you have the luxury of owning a garden, but you spend very little time in it, then it might be the best time to start. Many homeowners will limit their gardening to a last-minute mowing of the lawn when it’s become too unruly, but that’s a mistake. Gardening is great for getting some light exercise, but it’s a lot more beneficial than just that. It’s also been shown that even a few hours of gardening a week can work wonders on tackling depression, and can even help to boost social functioning. If you focus on growing vegetables instead of flowers, then you also benefit from lower food bills!
Pre- and Post-Work Walks
One great habit to develop is simply going for a walk before or after working. It’s very easy to think of your working day as a waste of your free time, and most of us delay heading to work or race back home as quickly as possible. Instead of aiming to spend more time in your home, take the time to go for a walk. If you go for a 20-minute walk before work, your mind will be clearer, and your concentration will improve. At the end of your working day, a walk will help you destress, and you can forget about the pressure of your workload.
Go Cycling
Whether it’s a sedate cycle around your town or a rigorous trail race, cycling is one of the best methods of exercise you can do. You’ll have to be outside too! Cycling is excellent for having a good cardiovascular workout, even if you’re taking things nice and slow, and it can even help to improve your posture and strengthen your bones. Of course, you’ll need to invest in a bicycle if you don’t already have one, but you can find these very cheaply on local selling sites. If you find out that you love cycling, then you can start looking more closely at the more expensive bicycles on the market.
Never underestimate the value of spending time in the great outdoors. From ten minutes to an overnight camping trip, any time that you spend outside is better for you than being locked indoors. Do your research, find the outdoor activity that suits you best, and you may never want to go home again!
