Spending time in the great outdoors is so good for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and endless possibilities for adventure…what’s not to love? While you don’t need an excuse to get out of the house, you can never have too many ideas on your list. After all, variety is the spice of life! Here are 10 ways to enjoy nature.
1. Take a Hike (or a Stroll)
When you’re not quite sure what to do, going on a hike is a simple and solid choice. If you’re not in the mood to explore local trails, simply strolling around the neighborhood is another option. To keep things interesting, try to visit brand-new places whenever you go out. Over time, you’ll really get a feel for your surroundings, and you’ll feel a deep connection with the place you call home.
2. Find a Serene Place to Practice Yoga
Practicing yoga outdoors adds a whole new dimension to it! There’s something about being in nature with the soft, ambient sounds and gentle breeze that puts you in a lovely headspace. Finding the perfect spot is part of the fun — enjoy the journey and allow the destination to find you.
3. Hit a Bullseye
There’s something so satisfying about hitting a target! From archery to air rifle plinking, shooting at targets is surprisingly relaxing, but it’s also super exciting when you land a clean shot. Archery and shooting tend to be popular activities among guys too, so spending the day at the range is a great way to enjoy some quality time with your hubby or dad, especially on Father’s Day!
4. Plant Some Seeds
Gardening is so much more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle! Whether you’re starting a full vegetable garden or just planting some flowers around the yard, there’s something gratifying about watching your plant babies grow bigger and bigger every day. You’ll never run out of things to learn, and aside from those rainy days, you’ll always have an excuse to soak up some sunshine. Admiring your work counts as gardening!
5. Catch a Fish (or Don’t)
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish. In fact, some of the best fishing days don’t involve fish at all! Spending a leisurely day by the water is what it’s all about, and if you happen to catch dinner, that’s just a bonus. Use fishing as an opportunity to explore your local lakes and ponds. You could even rent or charter a boat — it’s a wonderful way to spend time with family. Think of it like a mini vacation!
6. Take the Perfect Picture
Photography is a fantastic way to experience nature. You’re forced to really look at your surroundings as you determine what’s photo-worthy. And, your pictures will help you gain a new appreciation for the world around you — even a simple picture of a mundane object can be incredibly beautiful. These days, you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment. Your phone’s camera is more than capable of taking breathtaking pictures you’ll be proud to show off.
7. Ride a Bike
Bicycles are great because you can cover some serious distance, but you can also enjoy your surroundings while you’re on the move. It’s also an excellent way to stay healthy without going to the gym. Whether you’re mountain biking the trails or taking a leisurely ride through the local neighborhoods, biking lets you experience places you wouldn’t normally visit on foot or by car. Play tourist in your own town!
8. Look for Local Events
Festivals, concerts, sports games, and other outdoor events are all great ways to enjoy being outside while also connecting with your local community. You can join online forums and social media pages so you’re always in the know about what’s coming up. If there’s nothing on the horizon, you could host your own event! Backyard cookout, anyone?
9. Pack a Picnic
If the weather’s nice and you’ve got nothing to do, pack a picnic and spend the day at a park. Whether you’re alone or with a crew, there’s something so timeless about relaxing at a park. Humans are social creatures, and just being around other people is good for the soul. Don’t forget the frisbee!
10. Go Treasure Hunting
There’s so much beauty in nature that often goes unnoticed. Notice it! You could go to the beach and search for the perfect seashell. Go to a lake and try to find unique rocks to put in a rock tumbler. Find a lovely leaf in the woods. If you’re feeling especially crafty, you could even put together your own bonsai tree, collage, sculpture, or other work of art using locally scavenged materials!
These ten ideas should give you some inspiration next time you’re brainstorming the day’s adventure. At the same time, sometimes the best days are unplanned! If you’re not sure what to do, start by going outside. Once the sun and breeze hits your skin, everything after that is just icing on the cake!
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