10 Creative Ways to Spend More Time Outside This Spring
As parks begin to reopen and temperatures start to warm up, it could make all the difference in your mood and well-being by getting outside. And more vitamin D couldn't hurt for your health. Keep scrolling for 10 creative suggestions that will return you to truly relishing everything that's good about the outdoors.
1. Move your morning routine outside. No matter what your post-wakeup routine looks like, chances are that you can move parts of it from inside your house to your patio, balcony, or yard. Do your morning stretch outdoors or drink your first cup of coffee with a view. Getting some outside time in first thing in the morning may even encourage you to move other parts of your daily routine there while the weather is still good.
2. Walk and talk. If you're catching up on calls, there's no reason to stay cooped up. Grab your phone, put on your walking shoes, and get out there. If you're really trying to keep things chill, you can also talk to Mom or your best friend or your brother from your deck or a cozy spot of grass.
3. Propose a social distance meeting. It's been a while since you've been face-to-face with your work wife. Suggest a casual status update in the great outdoors. After months of emails and Zoom it could be good for everyone's morale to get in some good ol' human connection.
4. Volunteer. Research local volunteer opportunities that will set you up for more time in the sun during the spring and summer. Participate in a park or ocean clean-up, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out a neighbor in need (an elderly one, a single parent, etc.) by running an errand for them. Not only will this force you to make getting outside more of a priority, but you'll also feel good doing it.
5. Take evening walks. This one's only creative because it's bound to take you out of your usual post-dinner Netflix binge routine. Instead of spending most of your weeknight evenings on the couch, you can explore your neighborhood. You may even stumble on an ice cream truck along the way.
6. Explore outdoor photography. Your Instagram feed could really use some more outside shots, don't you think? Block off a few hours on the weekend to see what kinds of cool images you can capture outdoors. You might even consider getting yourself a used camera to experiment with instead of your phone so you can really hone your skills.
7. Shake up your usual errands. If you're anything like us, you probably have a pretty predictable rotation of errands. You always go to the same store for your groceries, the same store for household supplies, the same store for pet food… You know the drill. This season, challenge yourself to reconsider the typical route. Are there markets you could visit that would allow you to be outside — and active — more? Find out!
8. Plan a social distance outdoor brunch. You love your BFF. You love brunch. And now that it's finally nice outside, you're pretty into the sunshine too. Combine all of these elements by hosting a regular outdoor brunch with your best pal. Pick a local park and contribute an easily portable dish — fruit salad, muffins, egg bites, or even store-bought bagels (no judgment). And if your picnic permit allows for alcohol so you can enjoy mimosas while you're there, all the better.
9. Get your sweat sesh on outside. Many workout routines can be easily moved out of the gym. Take your yoga, HIIT, and even free weights into the sunshine. And, yes, even if you hate running, you might think about giving it another try right about now. Good weather is a game changer for runners everywhere.
10. Take a camping trip. Put a twist on your normal weekend plans by organizing a camping trip with your boo. If an overnight feels daunting, no problem — you can make a literal day of it by setting up a picnic, building a fire, roasting marshmallows, and playing games until sundown… and then heading home to sleep.
RELATED: 17 Outdoor Games to DIY This Summer
(Photos via Getty)
This article has been updated from an original posting on April 2019.
