How many times a week are you actually able to get outside? For those of you who work a 9-5 job or are a full-time student, my guess is not as much as you would probably like to? Although it can be difficult to find time to get outside, let me tell you, it’s so worth it! Especially when you’re feeling stressed, demotivated, overwhelmed, or simply lacking energy. You’d be surprised at just how beneficial getting outside can be and how great it can impact your mood in a positive way.
For me, being surrounded by nature always seems to reset my mind and boost my energy levels. Not only from an exercise standpoint either. Simply getting outside, feeling the sun, and breathing in the fresh air is all it takes to boost your mood! Now that we know the importance of spending time outside, here are 5 easy ways to get outside more this fall!
1. Take your work or work breaks outside
If you have the freedom and flexibility at your workplace, try taking your work outdoors. Bring your laptop and use nearby free Wi-Fi or bring your own. Even taking your meetings outdoors can be beneficial. A change of scenery keeps things fresh, engaging, and interesting enough to boost your co-workers’ creativity, too! You can even take your conference calls outside while walking around a pretty area. Doing this allows you to be more proactive if getting outside is a priority to you.
However, maybe you’re not able to take your actual work outside. But are you able to take your breaks outside? If so, I highly encourage you to take your lunch break outside, sit at a table or in the grass and read a book, or simply use your break to take a walk around the area. It will feel so good to get outside of the office or workplace and it will totally energize you for the rest of the day!
Related Post: “6 Healthy Habits You Need To Include In Your Workday”
2. Make it a habit to walk in the morning or evening
Morning walks can be a great way to wake you up and energize you! On the other hand, evening walks are great for decreasing stress and winding down your mind. Therefore, whether you’re a morning person or not, setting aside time to take a walk outside is incredibly beneficial for your overall health and wellness. Not just physically, but mentally as well.
With this, if walking in silence by yourself doesn’t sound particularly enticing, give yourself something fun to listen to. Whether this is music, a podcast, or an audiobook. I love listening to educational podcasts while I’m walking or getting lost in a true-crime podcast such as CrimeJunkie.
3. Drink your morning coffee or tea outside
This is such an easy way to get outside more! Whether you have a porch, a backyard, a balcony, or just the city streets, there’s no reason you can’t drink your morning coffee or tea outside. If you don’t have either of those (perhaps you live in an apartment) sit on a curb or in the grass outside or walk to the nearest coffee shop just to make yourself get out of your indoor space. I find that it’s such a great way to get some Vitamin D first thing in the morning, breathe in some fresh air, and get yourself in a relaxed state of mind before your day begins!
4. Ask a friend to join you
My friend Shana totally got me hooked on evening bike rides! I live right next to a marina town right on Lake Erie in Michigan. So with that, we have many walking/bike trails that will take you down right by the water. Shana and I have been aiming to stick to this at least once a week. It has easily become my new favorite way to exercise, get outside, and relax + reset in the evening.
However, you could simply ask a friend to go on a walk with you around your neighborhood. Or, plan a day to walk around a park or around your city while getting iced coffee and catching up. It’s the perfect way to not only get outside but also catch with a friend or family member as well. Keep it simple and keep it fun!
5. Prioritize it
If setting aside a fraction of your day to spend more time outside is important to you, then focus on making it a priority and a new habit. You need to consciously decide that this is now a priority for you. Like any other healthy habit, once it becomes important to you, it’s much easier to make it part of your routine! To make it a new habit, start small and take it day by day or week by week. Don’t feel pressured into making it a new habit right away. Especially if you feel stressed about fitting in the time. Give yourself some grace and find little ways to enjoy spending time outside in ways you prefer!
What are some things you do to spend more time outside? I would love to hear about some of your favorite outdoor activities or hobbies that you’re into you!
Have a beautiful day, my friend!
xo, Cydney
Cydney, I totally get what you mean! Even if it’s not for exercise, just BEING outside can make me feel so much better! These are great tips, and I will be sure to use them during every season!