By Rebecca Grandahl
When was the last time you spent time outside? I’m not talking about walking to class or running errands, I’m talking about sitting in the sun, feeling the rays touch your face and absorbing the warmth that it gifts you. What about the last time you smelled a flower growing in a garden, or walked through a park and felt the grass between your toes?
We’re living on a planet that contains massive expanses of ocean, trees, desert, various temperatures and multiple different climates. It’s a no-brainer that the Earth is beautiful. So why spend your life inside? We are creatures of the earth — take the time to treat yourself like one.
If you live in a city or just don’t spend enough time getting in touch with the beauty that surrounds us, seriously consider taking some steps to do so. Being in tune with the natural world that birthed our species can make us feel so much happier in day-to-day life, and make for more optimism in the long run.
Step outside more often. This can mean anything from going for a brief walk to take a break from homework, to going on a full-fledged adventure in a random lake. Just get out of the house!
Once you’re out, stay out. Wherever you are, keep exploring. Try something new, big or small. Walk down the path you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Go explore a different neighborhood. Or, walk the other way through the park. Set a goal for yourself to spend at least an hour or thirty minutes outside — whatever amount of time is appropriate for you to dedicate every day.
Meditate.
Meditation doesn’t always mean sitting cross-legged and closing your eyes. It can simply mean losing yourself within a state of bliss. Practice a form of meditation and mindfulness by paying attention to birds, watching the clouds move above you, or even noticing small details in the trees around you.
Practice gratitude.
The documentary ‘Happy’ shows that people who count their blessings at least once a week are happier than people who do not. You can easily do this every day with nature! On your way to class or work, look away from your phone and feel every step you take across the ground. It may seem really stupid at first, but the more carefree you get about it, the more you can understand how lucky we all are to call this world our home.
Play a sport.
Playing outdoor sports is a wonderful way to get time outside and use the environment as part of your game. Rowing, soccer, field hockey, rugby, and football are all just some examples of sports you can play for fun outside or join a team for. You can also keep it casual and invite a group of friends to play frisbee or kickball with you. On your own? Go for a run or a jog!
Walk.
It’s always a great idea to go for a walk because it’s the one thing that gets you places and is slow enough to allow you to take in all the scenery. Take your time and breathe in the fresh air!
Fly a kite.
This activity isn’t the most popular, but it’s definitely a fun one. Find a good spot to do this in, whether it’s by a beach or in a park, and take advantage of how it pulls your focus up. The sky is beautiful! Have fun with it.
Cloud-gaze and star gaze.
Take the time to be imaginative. The sky is like a canvas filled with abstract shapes. Picture whatever you like within those shapes! If it’s cloudy, think about what’s beyond the clouds.
Tan.
Always take advantage of sunny days. Lay out a towel wherever you’re comfortable, protect your skin and just relax. Enjoy the simple things in life.
Have a picnic.
In the mood for a lunch date but don’t want to spend too much money? Grab a couple snacks or throw together some dishes and bring it to a fountain or other cute spot.
Go for a hike.
Some people struggle with this if they’re in a city, but hiking can pretty much be done anywhere as long as you know the spots. If you are in a city with a good public transportation system, take advantage of that and use it to find a more secluded and better hiking area.
Tend to a garden or buy yourself flowers.
This is one of the most obvious direct ways to connect with the earth. Caring for another form of life, even a plant, is a wonderful way to stay positive through nature. Water some plants, pull some weeds and take care to feel the soil. It’s a great grounding activity.
Take your workout outside.
This can be pretty much anything from yoga to boxing to using weights. Bring whatever materials you can with you to a park or other local spot and have fun! Don’t worry about others judging you — if anything, people will be jealous that you’re carefree enough to workout in front of the public, and it’s quite inspiring.
Walk a dog.
If you don’t already have a dog to walk, there are plenty of other ways to do this. You can advertise yourself as a dog walker locally, or you can try some other dog walking apps. Check out the apps Rover or Wag! to get started. You also get paid!
Ride a bike.
If you find yourself constantly relying on modes of transportation such as trains, cars, or buses, consider getting a bike. Not only will it get you outside but it’s also a great way to incorporate exercise into your day. Plus, no worrying about paying train and bus fare or paying for gas!
Whatever you decide, remember to practice gratitude for the world around you. Without trees, we would not be able to breathe. Without water, there would be no life. Without scenery, we’d be severely lacking in awe and inspiration. Take advantage of this life!
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