5 Ways to Spend More Time Outdoors

 There are plenty of reasons why people spend more time indoors than they used to in the past. We work long hours that keep us indoors, we spend more time on our devices than ever, and many of us have plenty of television shows to keep up with. Plus, our homes are expensive, which means we’re inclined to get our money’s worth. 

With that all said, it’s important to spend time outdoors. It’s good for our physical and mental well-being, and it can also just provide the space we need to think big. Below, we’ll look at some useful tips for decreasing your time on the couch and increasing your time outside.

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Find a Hobby

You’ll be much more inclined to go outside if you have a hobby that you enjoy. For example, people who love hiking or cycling are out in the great outdoors each weekend. Having a hobby will allow you to subconsciously fall in love with nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can decrease anxiety and enhance happiness, and you’ll get those benefits just by being there. So look up some outdoor hobbies, see which one appeals, and give it a try. 

Start a Vegetable Garden

There’s oh-so much to love about having your own vegetable garden. It changes your connection to food and also simply provides your household with delicious, fresh vegetables that come with maximum taste and nutrients. Plus, it’ll push into your yard, even on those overcast days when you’d rather be inside. You can start a vegetable garden in a garden of your yard, but it’ll be best to buy a quality greenhouse — that’ll allow you to extend your growing season and grow a greater variety of vegetables. 

Invest in All-Weather Clothing

You can understand why people don’t want to go outside when it’s overly hot or cold. During those moments, it’s much more tempting to stay in a climate-controlled environment. However, that could mean that you’re staying inside way more than you would like to, especially in the chilly winter months. The solution? Invest in the right clothing. You’ll be happy enough to venture out into those cold-weather days when you’re all snuggly and warm inside your arctic-ready clothing. 

Walk Whenever Possible

Most people automatically get into their vehicle whenever they have to go somewhere. But there will likely be scenarios when you don’t have to drive. If the store is 10 minutes away, then it’ll be better to take a nice and leisurely stroll and back, rather than drive. We’ve become programmed to think of ways to optimize our time, but in some cases, it’s better to let go of the desire to control time occasionally and do things that feel right — such as taking a stroll.

Make it a Priority

We’re all guilty of falling into the habit of staying indoors. By making spending time outdoors a priority, you’ll open yourself up to all that’s enjoyable about it, including happier moods, less anxiety, and more elevated thoughts.