The Everyday Adventurer: 5 Ways to Spend More Time Outdoors

As you scroll through your instagram feed these days, it seems like everyone but you is climbing mountains, surfing empty waves, and adventuring around the globe. The reality though, is that THAT isn’t reality. Or let’s say it’s definitely not your reality. 

But the truth is, you don’t have to be summiting new peaks or camping in the remote wilderness to reap the health benefits of the outdoors. The people that truly understand the value of time spent outdoors make breathing fresh air everyday a habit because they know it’s important to their health and happiness.

If you Google, “benefits of time spent outdoors”, you’ll get endless articles speaking to many science-backed benefits such as decreased stress, increased creativity, improved concentration, and better overall health. 

According to an article published from the University of Rochester, “Across all methodologies, individuals consistently felt more energetic when they spent time in natural settings...The findings were particularly robust, and being outside in nature for just 20 minutes in a day was enough to significantly boost vitality levels.” 

No doubt you can think of a time where you’ve been outside and experienced at least one of these benefits.

Because spending time outdoors is so important to both our health and happiness, here are five ways you can get a daily dose of nature throughout your week.

1. Ride your bike to work

Biking to work is a great way to start your day breathing in fresh air, clearing your mind and energizing your body for the day to come. 

If that’s not enough to convince you, think about the reduced hassle you’ll have from things like sitting in traffic and finding parking. You’ll also save gas money that you can put towards your next adventure!

2. Take your social gatherings outside

Rather than meeting your friends at a bar for a cocktail, plan to go for a hike or put that beer money towards a kayak rental instead. You won’t have to worry about noise and crowds and you can get outside with your friends and make real memories.

3. Make the most of your lunch breaks

As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of spending time outside is increased creativity and better concentration. 

Whether reading a book in your backyard or heading out for a run, using your lunch break as an opportunity to spend time outside will get you back to work with more energy than before.

4. Take time to watch the sunrise or sunset

There’s nothing like a good sunrise to get you inspired for the day and appreciating Mother Nature. 

Getting your fresh air fix can also be as easy as finding a good vantage point to watch the sunset. I personally recommend heading out to the coast for a beach walk.

5. Be a weekend warrior

You may not be able to get outside as much as you like during the week, but try to think of every weekend is a new opportunity to explore! 

Do your prep work during the week, researching sweet camping spots, snow/surf forecasts, or new trails nearby. This will keep you from getting antsy and give you something to look forward to all week, plus give you time to get your friends on board!

Get outside and become an everyday adventurer!