If you're anything like me, when the weather gets a little cooler, you just want to grab a hot chocolate and watch your favorite series. However, it's also an amazing time to find some creative ways to spend more time outside in order to stop you from going into full on hibernation mode. While it seems much easier and more relaxing to just sleep the afternoon away or hide under some blankets with a good book, sometimes trying something new and getting fresh air is exactly what you need to feel refreshed and reenergized.
Most of us have been there; with a belly full of amazing comfort food and Netflix calling out, it's much easier to stay cozy indoors than venture out into the chilly air. Even if it's not cold at all, sometimes staying inside just seems easier. However there are tons of benefits to spending more time outdoors. The Huffington Post found that spending time outdoors makes you healthier, with benefits ranging from increasing your Vitamin D intake and reducing stress to increasing brain function.
Whether you're an outdoors newbie, a hardcore city gal, or a nature fanatic, here are seven sneaky ways you can trick yourself into spending more time outdoors.
1. Stop Using Public Transportation
There are times when there is no other option to get around other than to use public transport. However, there's a big difference between using public transport out of necessity or just because you feel lazy. I, for one, have definitely been guilty of the latter — choosing buses and taxis when actually I could have just walked or hopped on my bike. Save yourself some money and get yourself to where you need to be on your own steam. You might even feel better due to the extra exercise.
2. Have A Picnic
Have you ever tried picnicking in a season other than summer? It can be super fun. As a Brit, most picnics I attend often occur in lukewarm or even bitterly cold weather. However, there's something oddly charming and whimsical about having a picnic outdoors when it's a little chilly and you can pack all your favorite warm foods and seasonally appropriate dishes.
Country Living teamed up with blogger Beth Styles of Parsimonia to create an awesome article with tips on how to host the ultimate fall picnic which will give you a great starting point to dive in and start planning your autumnal outdoor feast. Grab your picnic basket and get out there.
3. Get Creative With Nature Photography
If you are a creative spirit who gets bored easily when outdoors, then nature photography could be a great hobby for you. As well as reaping the rewards of inhaling fresh air — such as decreasing stress and becoming energized naturally — you could also begin a new creative project which could help you to be more active.
By using social media sites to share your nature photography (like Instagram), you could also end up inspiring others and even gaining a bunch of new followers. If you're not sure where to start, do some research into tips on nature photography; you never know, one day you might win an award for your nature snaps.
4. Exercise Outdoors
There's a lot to be said for going back to nature and exercising outdoors. Women's Health informed readers there are many benefits of exercising outdoors including being able to work out whenever you want, and not to mention the money you save on gym memberships.
You could start out by running or joining a local bootcamp style class and then move on to more adventurous activities such as swimming in open waters or mountain climbing. There's nothing quite like swimming in the sea, and if it's a bit cold outside you can always wear a wetsuit. If you need a little guidance, you can join The Wild Body Program by We Are Wildness which on their website is described as, "A fitness program inspired by nature for people who would rather be outside than in a gym. Learn natural movements to tone and sculpt your body."
5. Plan A Fun Camping Trip
I don't care what anyone says: Camping is awesome! You get to spend quality time with your loved ones in beautiful surroundings and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus there are the really spooky stories, the delicious campfire food, and someone usually brings a guitar so you can all sing your favorite songs as you huddle close to each other.
If you're not too keen on sleeping in a tent you can always research glamping spots where you could hire a yurt or even a log cabin. Alternatively you could recreate the glamping experience by investing in gorgeous camping accessories so your site feels like a home away from home.
6. Complete The Rewild Your Life 30 Day Challenge
If you like a challenge and you need some motivation then The Rewild Your Life 30 Day Challenge by We Are Wildness could be a great tool for you. The challenge aims to get you to spend 30 minutes outside in nature for 30 consecutive days.
There are daily activities for you to complete and you receive access to an online community of thousands of other nature lovers where you can connect with like-minded people and share your experiences. It costs $7 per month, or if you wish to rewild your year then you can pay $49 for a year's access.
7. Walk A Dog
Like people, dogs need regular exercise to feel their best. So why not kill two birds with one stone and go for a lovely country or coastal walk with your four-legged friend? If you've not got your own pooch pal, why not offer to help out a friend or neighbour? The regular commitment will help them out if they're short on spare time and it'll ensure you get a regular dose of nature. If you need any more convincing you could set up your own dog walking business and fit the walks in around your schedule; this will give you a few extra dollars to play with come payday.
You'll be a nature lover in no time with these tips and tricks!
Images: JordanSanchez; AbigailKeenan; TiagoFaifa; ToddQuackenbush; BenjaminCombs; JulianBialowas ; AmandaSandlin; VladimirKudinov /Unsplash; Giphy
