© Taryn Elliott
Nowadays, we tend to spend a lot of time indoors, which isn’t great for our physical or mental health. Therefore, it might be a good idea to explore more ways to step away from our desks and enjoy the sunshine. This can also help you relieve stress, improve your wellbeing, and boost your productivity. However, spending time outdoors might not always be easy, especially if you are trying to balance work life and your personal commitments.
Thankfully, there are some things you can incorporate into your busy schedule. Within this article, you will find some examples of what you can do to spend more time outside this year.
Take Up Gardening
Firstly, one of the best ways to get outside is to take up gardening, which can also help you burn calories and develop new skills. This way, you will have the chance to keep yourself physically active by doing something that you enjoy. As a result, gardening can increase your energy as it will allow your mind to focus and relax. Moreover, it can be a fun way to meet more like-minded people. For best results, it’s best to start by getting to know your garden to decide what to plant where.
Stick & String Mini-Golf
You can try to build a custom course in the yard using twine, stones, and tree roots to define the holes. Swap standard equipment for forest alternatives, using smooth pebbles or acorns as golf balls and sturdy branches as clubs to navigate natural hazards.
Enjoy Your Patio
Next, it might be a good idea to find new ways to enjoy your patio all year round. For example, you may want to explore different awnings for your patio. Marygrove provides a variety of options, as well as a selection of great electric patio awnings, designed to cover your front or back patio. Thanks to their team’s years of experience, they can provide you with a customized solution for your needs.
Be sure to take a look at the different types of patio awnings, such as retractable awnings, fixed awnings, louvered roofs, and others. Moreover, Marygrove offers multiple fabric, size, and frame options to help you relax and enjoy your patio in all kinds of weather.
© photasticlab
Try Bird Watching
Bird watching can be a fun all-family activity and a very accessible hobby that you can take up at any time if you are looking for things to do in your garden. There might be some great local birds that you haven’t noticed before. This means that you can easily become familiar with a wide range of species. In the beginning, you may be wondering where to start, but all you need to do is use your senses to spot different birds. For example, instead of only looking around, try listening to sounds around you as well.
Take Your Camera Outdoors
Your plan to spend more time outside this year can be a fantastic opportunity for outdoor photography. This little hobby will provide a chance to capture the beauty of the outdoors and improve your overall wellbeing. Plus, if you are a blogger or actively present on social media, it is an excellent opportunity to fill your page with plenty of great pictures.
Visit A Local Park
Parks and green spaces are great places to start if you want to spend more time outdoors. Whether you want to go on a brisk walk or you are looking for a nice place to walk your dog, you can visit local parks. They can provide a natural outlet for fun activities and bonding with family and friends. In addition, parks can be a great alternative to a gym membership, as you can go there for a run or even to do an outdoor workout. This means that you can stay fit at no additional cost.
Micro-Museum
This was my favorite thing to do when I was little! You can curate a tiny collection of wild artifacts that fit entirely inside a matchbox or empty mint tin. Choose a specific curation theme—such as items shaped like tools or textures ordered from softest to roughest—and present your miniature outdoor exhibit to the group.
© Uriel Mont
Go Hiking
Another great way to immerse yourself in nature is to go hiking. This can be an excellent activity for people of all ages and abilities. Hiking doesn't need to be intimidating, as you don't need much to get started.
For example, it might be a good idea to join a hiking club in your area so that you can meet new friends and get the most out of your hiking trips. To ensure that you enjoy your hiking experience, it's best to pick a trail that doesn't take too long, as this will allow you to get better over time. If you're planning on setting off early or finishing up after dark, a reliable headlamp is worth having, as it keeps your hands free while helping you spot uneven ground or obstacles on the trail. It's a small addition to your kit that can make a big difference to your overall safety and confidence on the move.
Blind Sound Mapping
This is a wonderful and very original activity for those who need sensorial relaxation. Sit outdoors with your eyes closed for 10 minutes and draw a spatial map of the noises around you. Mark an "X" for yourself on a piece of paper, then use symbols to record the direction of bird calls, wind, or traffic, comparing results with friends afterward to see how differently everyone perceives the same audio landscape.
Organize a Picnic
Organizing a picnic can provide you with an opportunity to spend more quality time with your loved ones. Plus, eating outside is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have, especially if the weather is good. Make sure you are always ready for a spontaneous meal outside by preparing a picnic basket with basic necessities and keeping it in your car. If you don’t have much time on your hands, you can always plan a picnic in your backyard and maybe invite some friends or neighbors over.
Change Your Daily Commute
Many people are used to driving to their workplace and then driving back home, which doesn’t allow for much time outdoors. Therefore, you may want to consider changing the way you commute so that you can have more opportunities to spend time in nature.
For example, you can try cycling to work every once in a while to switch things up a bit and get some extra fresh air. Also, it might be beneficial to park your car a few blocks away from your office and spend the rest of the time walking. Although these changes might not seem like much at first, they can add up over time, allowing you to get more active.
© Karolina Grabowska
Explore Outdoor Sports
If you enjoy sports, consider joining an outdoor sports club so that you can explore different sports, such as kayaking, mountaineering, surfing, beach volleyball, riding e-trike, and more. Depending on your interests, you can join a competitive sport or go for something more laid-back. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather to reap the benefits of outdoor sports. Trying new outdoor activities will enable you to soak up the sun and get the energy you need to handle everyday challenges.
The "Color Swatch" Nature Match
The soul is craving something more creative? Take paint chips outside and hunt for exact color matches in the environment. This game forces you to look closely at environmental micro-textures—like rock lichen or the underside of leaves—to find the perfect hue rather than settling for a rough approximation.
Shadow Stomp Tag
Modern kids don't find a traditional tag very interesting! So, make the sun your primary obstacle by trying to step on your opponents' shadows to get them out. This high-speed variation requires constant sprinting, dodging, and spatial awareness as players tactically use trees, fences, and the sun's angle to hide or shrink their silhouettes.
Plan a Camping Trip
Finally, going on a camping trip with your family will allow you to disconnect from technology and recharge like nothing else. You can also escape the stresses of your day-to-day routine and spend some time away from traffic noise and other distractions. As a result, you will get a much better sleep, which will improve your mood and ensure you can reset your focus. Camping will also encourage you to be present and experience mindfulness, which has a variety of benefits for your mental wellbeing.
Final Thoughts...
Without a doubt, there are so many great ways you can spend more time outside this year. From hiking and picnicking to gardening and other outdoor hobbies, there are many alternatives you can choose from! Attending outdoor events, camping, and volunteering at cleanup events are all wonderful ways to get involved in your community and enjoy the outdoors.
