In a world where screen time dominates our daily routines, spending time outdoors can provide a pretty significant boost to our overall health and well-being.
But the challenge is actually finding ways to spend more time outside on a daily basis. What follows are five specific (and relatively simple) ways to get more time in the sunshine!
1. Turn Your Commute Into Outdoor Time
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One of the easiest ways to spend more time outside is by transforming your daily commute. Instead of driving everywhere, try walking or biking whenever possible. If you live close to your workplace, school, or grocery store, biking or walking can help you start and end your day with fresh air and a little physical activity. Even if your destination is a bit farther away, consider parking a few blocks from where you need to go and walking the rest of the way.
If you take public transportation, think about getting off a stop early and walking the extra distance. Not only will this give you some outdoor time, but it also adds a bit of movement to your day, which can improve your mood and energy levels. On top of that, it’s an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce your carbon footprint.
If you work from home, try incorporating a “fake commute” into your morning routine. Take a 10–15 minute walk around your neighborhood before you start your workday, and use this time to mentally prepare for the day ahead. It’s a simple habit that can improve your focus and productivity.
2. Cook and Eat Outside
Another easy way to spend more time outside is by shifting some of your meals and cooking time outdoors. If you have a grill or outdoor kitchen, take advantage of it by preparing meals outside whenever the weather allows. But even if you don’t have a full outdoor setup, you can still move the dining part outdoors – place a table in the backyard or on your balcony and enjoy your meals surrounded by nature.
Outdoor dining doesn’t have to be limited to special occasions. Make it part of your routine by designating one or two meals a week as “outdoor dining” events. You can also invite friends or family over for an outdoor dinner or picnic, which adds a social element to your time outside. Eating outside gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy your food while soaking in the fresh air and sunshine.
3. Exercise Outdoors
Exercise is a fantastic way to get outside and boost your overall health. Instead of sticking to indoor gyms or at-home workouts, take your fitness routine outdoors. Whether it’s going for a jog, walking your dog, or doing yoga in the park, exercising outside adds a refreshing element to your workouts.
If you enjoy strength training or other types of fitness activities, look for outdoor gyms or use equipment like resistance bands and kettlebells in your backyard or local park. Many communities have outdoor fitness stations with pull-up bars, benches, and other equipment, allowing you to enjoy a full workout in the fresh air.
Hiking, biking, and swimming are also excellent outdoor activities that allow you to enjoy nature while staying active. You can make it a family affair by planning weekend hikes or bike rides. Getting everyone involved adds a fun, social element to your outdoor time, making it something to look forward to rather than a chore.
4. Work Outside Whenever Possible
For many people, working from home has become the new normal. But spending all day indoors can leave you feeling drained and disconnected. One way to combat this is by setting up an outdoor workspace. If you have a patio, balcony, or backyard, take your laptop outside for a change of scenery. Working outdoors, even for a couple of hours a day, can improve your mood and productivity.
If you don’t have an outdoor space at home, consider finding a local café with outdoor seating or visiting a nearby park with Wi-Fi access. Many public spaces now offer internet, making it easier to work outside. Just be sure to bring a comfortable chair, some shade, and a good pair of headphones to stay focused.
For meetings or phone calls, try taking a walk while you talk. Walking meetings are a great way to combine work with physical activity, and they often lead to more creative thinking and better problem-solving.
5. Make Outdoor Time a Family Affair
Spending time outside doesn’t have to be a solo activity. In fact, outdoor time can be even more enjoyable when you make it a family affair or a social activity with friends. Incorporating outdoor games, sports, or adventures into your family routine is a great way to bond while encouraging everyone to get outside.
For example, you can organize weekly family walks, bike rides, or park visits. Plan weekend picnics or camping trips that get everyone involved in nature-based activities. If you have kids, consider setting up a backyard obstacle course or creating a garden together.
Adding it All Up
Hopefully, after reading this article, you start to see that it’s easier than you think to spend time outside. Our challenge to you is to set a goal – say five additional hours outside per week – and aim for that. Once you hit that goal, increase it even more, until you’re spending the majority of your time outside!