Ways To Get Outside More Often And How It Can Benefit Your Mental Health

As we head into warmer weather and longer days, it’s important to take advantage of the season as much as possible. That means spending more time outside and enjoying fresh air and nature.

Spending time outdoors has so many benefits, especially when it comes to your mental health. It can be hard to prioritize time outside when you spend a lot of time inside, especially those that work in an office all day long. But, if you can start by committing to even just 15 minutes outside every day, you can reap the benefits, then work your way up from there. 

Turning this into a habit by integrating it into your regular routine can make a huge impact on your overall quality of life and mental health. Let’s talk about some ways you can get outside more often.

Plan outdoor workouts or daily walks

I’m not saying completely ditch your indoor gym routine or workout classes if you love them, but maybe try incorporating some other outdoor workouts or sports once or twice a week. It can be something simple like stretching or yoga in the park or your backyard; or it can be something a little more intense, like playing a pickup game of soccer or pickleball with friends.

If you’re not into sports or typical workouts, don’t worry! You can simply take more walks. Plan a walk before or after work or school - even just 10-15 minutes per day can make a huge difference in your life.

Take a walk or eat outside during work breaks

When you’re working a 9-5 job in an office, it can be tough to find time to get outside. An easy way to use your spare time is by taking a short walk on your lunch breaks. If you don’t even have time for that, you can even just eat lunch outside. You don’t have to be active to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. Changing your scenery in between working can help clear your mind and refresh you for the rest of the day.

Create a spot outside where you can spend time

Create a cozy or fun spot where you can spend more time. It can be in your backyard, front yard, porch, or patio. Instead of sitting on the couch inside, try putting a comfy chair or small couch outside where you can sip your coffee in the morning, read a book, or even work.

You can even get a little more creative. Try putting up a hammock in your backyard with some shade where you can relax and nap. Or create something like an outdoor movie theater with a projector in your backyard to host friends and family outside. 

Find a new outdoor activity

Finding something new to do outside that you enjoy can inspire you to get out more often. It can be hiking, playing a sport for fun, taking your dog to the park, gardening, etc. Try something new every week until you find something that you love that sticks. The more you love that activity, the more likely it will become a habit that’s ingrained in your routine. You’ll start craving being outside so you can do that activity.

Spending time outside doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it fun and make it easy so that you’re more likely to do it more often. You’ll start seeing huge improvements in your mental health. Below are some of the ways being outdoors benefits your mental health.

Improves mood

Spending time outside, especially being active or in nature can drastically improve your mood. Studies show that it can reduce stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. When you’re outside, you'll feel instantly happier and calmer.

Increases mindfulness

Being outside and in nature increases mindfulness. You’ll feel yourself be more present and in the moment. It helps you feel more connected with the earth and your surroundings. Your senses will be focusing on this calming environment around you.

Reduces fatigue and increases energy 

Spending time outdoors will increase your energy levels. The fresh air and scenery will awaken your senses. Being in the sunlight will boost your serotonin levels in your brain, which helps reduce fatigue and energize you. 

It’s no secret that being outdoors has so many benefits. But, it, understandably, can be hard for a lot of people to find time and energy to do so, especially when you work inside most of the day. Finding a way to increase how much time you spend outside by just a few minutes each day can give you a lot of benefits. Do things that you enjoy - those are the habits that are more likely to stick. Eventually you’ll be craving the great outdoors!