I feel so strongly about the importance of getting outside every single day. I make this an absolute priority in my life and I think you should too. Being outside not only boosts my mood but it makes me a more productive person, in general. I find that when I stay indoors I feel way less connected to myself, tend to be grumpy, unproductive, and I don’t sleep very well. Being outdoors is an instant mood lifter and allows me to connect with others in a genuine way. Did you know there are science-backed reasons to go outside, too? Spending time in nature has been found to strengthen memory, decrease symptoms of depression, reduce stress levels and inflammation significantly, and so much more. It’s amazing that something so simple can have such a big impact, isn’t it? Nature and the sun are so beneficial to our health, but sometimes, you aren’t really sure what to do outside. If this sounds like you, keep reading along because I’m bringing you these creative ways to get outside more this summer:
Get your morning routine outdoors
No matter what your post-wake-up routine looks like, chances are that you can move parts of it from inside your house to your patio, balcony, or yard. Do your morning stretch outdoors or drink your first cup of coffee with a view. Getting some outside time in first thing in the morning may even encourage you to move other parts of your daily routine there while the weather is still good. This is a good step to slowing down your mornings, too. When you have a slow morning, your overall day will be much better – more productive, less stressful, and honestly, less draining, too.
Go camping
Put a twist on your normal weekend plans by organizing a camping trip with your friends or your family. If an overnight feels daunting, no problem. You can make a day of it by setting up a picnic, building a fire, roasting marshmallows, and playing games until sundown… and then heading home to sleep. If you have a lake (or ocean) close by, add some paddle boarding into your hiking day. It might feel challenging at first, but it is a great way to get outside, get a good workout in (trust me – your muscles will feel so sore the next day!), and have fun while you’re at it!
Make your yard a fun space to entertain
If you have a backyard space, make use of it! However, this can feel challenging if it’s not a space where you can easily enjoy or entertain. Doing small improvements like improving your landscaping or adding seating to your patio can really shape up a place quickly. Or, you could do larger projects such as adding a pool or hot tub or having an outdoor fireplace in Monmouth County installed by a company such as Sabba’s Landscaping, Lawn, Pavers, and Fencing. Sabba’s Landscaping is a well-qualified company that honors itself on customer service, quality, and reliability allowing our customers to feel more at ease. They provide professional lawn & landscaping maintenance and care at reasonable prices for residential and commercial customers. They also do hardscaping and fencing work, as well. Their mission is to serve their clients to the best of their ability; by keeping up to date with the newest equipment, designs, and technology. They say, “We strive for our customers to receive the best care guaranteed!” Sabba’s is one of the best companies in NJ to help you out when it comes to making your yard a fun space to entertain
Start biking
So many people have become obsessed with Peloton bikes and for good reason, too. Spinning is fun, a great workout, and easy to fit into your schedule. However, whatever happened to biking outside? This is still a great way to get an amazing workout, limit screen time, and also soak up your vitamin D. It is also much more affordable!
Plan a fun picnic
Last but not least, plan a fun picnic with your friends! I love the new trend going around of creating a fancier picnic. These park picnics that I have seen include a full-blown table setting, amazing food, and plenty of beverages. Plus, shade! Having a picnic with your friends – no matter if it is a ‘fancier’ one or not – is an awesome way to have fun, eat great food, and get outside this summer!
Do you have any other creative ways to get outside more this summer? If so, send them my way!
