In today’s technology-driven world, we tend to stay inside frequently. While kids once used their imaginations and played games outside, now they’re glued to their smartphone or video games. Adults aren’t much better. They’re attached to their laptops, phones, and tablets. Whether you’re an adult or a kid, odds are you need to spend more time outdoors. Here are some ways to drop your electronics and head outside for some fresh air and fun-filled experiences.
How Does Nature Benefit Your Health?
Research illustrates how getting outside positively affects you. In fact, nature often acts like a natural medicine that does much more than increase vitamin D levels in your body. Here are some of those benefits:
- Nature relieves stress- One study published in Physiology & Behavior demonstrated that some people viewing a virtual natural environment experienced mental restoration.
- Nature can be a natural pain reliever- Another study published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine showed that patients recovering in the hospital from back surgery needed less pain medication if their room had more sunlight.
- Nature improves mental clarity- The journal of Environment and Behavior published a study that said children exposed to a natural environment often function at higher cognitive levels.
You’ll find many articles on the benefits of spending time outside. Some other benefits include increased concentration and creativity.
Now, onto the ways you can spend more time outside.
1. Ride Your Bike to Work
If you live close to your job, bike to work. Many cities and towns have bike paths so people can hit the road safely on their bicycles. You’ll feel great if you make biking to work a routine. Plus, you’ll get some healthy exercise. Since the global pandemic has everyone locked down, there’s less traffic on the roads.
Source: Maridav/Shutterstock.com
2. Take Your Lunchbreak Outside
Many people eat with colleagues in a break room or simply work at their desks. If you plan to have lunch outside somewhere, you’ll feel more refreshed when you head back to work.
If you have lunch with friends, pack a lunch or get take-out food to take to a nearby park. Some offices even have outside break areas for their employees. It’s important to take regular breaks anyway, and eating outside in nice weather will help you come back refreshed with improved concentration.
3. Take Social Events Outside
Maybe you and your friends go out to a bar once a month. Instead of heading to the local bar, do something outdoors. Perhaps you can go on a hike with friends and have a cookout afterward.
Some bars and restaurants have outside areas or even hold outdoor events that are family-friendly. If you really want to grab a drink with friends, try going someplace where you can sit outside.
Source: Ian Crocker/Shutterstock.com
4. Find A Swimming Hole
Swimming holes are fun places to hang out with friends and family. You’ll probably find some of the best swimming holes in rural areas and forests. You can’t get any closer to nature than taking a dip in a natural water feature. Take a picnic and make an afternoon of it.
5. Go on a Camping Trip in a Remote Area
Camp in the solitude of a forest so you can disconnect from your busy, everyday world.
Sometimes it’s fun to camp the old school way with just a tent and sleeping bags, so leave the fancy trailer or RV behind to really connect with nature.
Camping can be the perfect activity to hit the reset button for the next work week.
6. Head Out for a Solo Hike
Sometimes you just need to head out into nature on a fun solo hike. Unwinding alone on a solo hike is a perfect way to reconnect with nature. Take a break from your crazy life and strap on the new tactical hiking boots you’ve been dying to break in.
If you’re going on a longer hike, fill a sling pack or backpack with necessary supplies so you can disconnect from your routine life. Hiking alone has many benefits and gives you time to learn more about yourself. It also helps you become more independent and resourceful. Hiking gives you time to fall in love with nature and the inner peace it can bring you.
7. Enjoy a Sunset or Sunrise
People often get caught up in life and forget the everyday beauty that they can find in sunrises and sunsets. Take some time in your yard to enjoy the nature around you. If you live near a beach, sunrises and sunsets are perfect excuses to take a walk.
These are just a few ways you can get outside and enjoy nature. You can even take regular trips with family or friends to find new natural environments and spend quality time with your favorite people.
When you take the time out of your busy life to enjoy scenic views and outdoor adventures, you’ll make lasting memories and reap the health benefits nature provides. Everyone can benefit from an adventure, so make a plan and head out into the great outdoors.
Top image – Source: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
Mark Hedman serves as the CEO for LA Police Gear. Mark oversees a little bit of everything, from product development to walking the dogs from our Valencia, CA headquarters. Before joining LA Police Gear, Mark was just a kid that was very interested in programming and e-commerce. Starting from the bottom, he worked his way up through all stages of the company. Mark loves animals and the outdoors. He tries to spend as much time as he can at the range, or hiking with the pups.
