Moving from Savannah, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois, taught me many things. One of my most significant realizations is that I am undoubtedly a warm-blooded human. I was aware when leaving the sunny and year-round pleasant weathered Georgia that the Illinois winters were going to border on brutal, but I definitely underestimated the effect that it would have on my routine. With the winter playing out how it did and my inability to face temperatures lower than 15 degrees, I spent a ton of time inside over the past three months. Whether studying, working, meeting up with my friends, or relaxing, it was done inside, simply to avoid the bitterness of a winter minute in Chicago. Admittedly, the indoor time did not prove to be the best medicine for my seasonal sadness. I felt suffocated and confined, and I missed the freedom of feeling comfortable in the fresh air.
That being said, you can imagine my excitement for the approaching spring. Warm weather, for me, brings a feeling of lightness and opportunity that I can’t wait to take advantage of this year. This upcoming season is a chance to take a breath, regroup, and reconnect. I want to explore the safest and most relaxing ways to do so outside. If you need some inspiration on how to best indulge in the warm weather, here’s a list of my favorite daily outdoor activities:
1. Going somewhere? Walk!
Obviously, this one only applies to those of you that are within walking distance to activities and shops in your area and whether or not you are comfortable with doing so, but this is one of my favorite tips for utilizing time outside on a warm day. While I agree that walking is one of the less convenient transportation methods, it is also one of the most fun and fulfilling! So, if you have plans one day or need to run some errands, consider walking to your location. Not only does it provide an opportunity for activity, but it also gives you a chance to soak up the beautiful city and the endless possibilities within it. While walking, feel free to listen to music, bring a friend to chat with, or try a meditation walk.
2. Chicago beaches>
This one is specific to those who live in or around the Chicago area. Who said midwest cities couldn’t have decent beaches? While it’s not quite the ocean, Chicago’s coast on Lake Michigan provides a number of beautiful beaches that are perfect for a warm day. A trip down Lake Shore Drive will take you past all of the various Chicago beaches, but if you can’t make up your mind, I recommend 12th street beach. It’s located on Northerly Island and can be accessed by the beachfront or a short walk around the Lakefront Trail past the Adler Planetarium. It is a semi-busy beach that offers a small taco stand and a beach house with restrooms during the summer and an unbeatable view of the Chicago skyline year-round. Whether your beach vibe is bustling energy, music, and partying, or whether you like to find a quaint spot to relax, 12th street beach is the perfect place to spend a warm day.
3. Take a new approach to homework.
If you’re anything like me, doing homework can get stressful and feel dreadful at times. But unfortunately, this doesn’t take away from the fact that it is required. Therefore, tackling negative emotions is an essential part of beginning or continuing to do homework efficiently. I have found that the best way for me to approach my homework process, to modify it for stress or dread, is to add a bit of comfort and fun to it. Going outside and finding a place to study–whether in a park, in an outdoor seating area at a coffee shop, a quiet location in the trees, or in front of your building or house– can be a good way to loosen your mind from the confinement of being indoors and keep you from feeling stuck. Plus, a little Vitamin D is always good for the soul! Making it a habit to do your homework outside is a perfect way to implement the outdoors into your daily routine.
4. Lose yourself in the pages of a great read.
Never miss an opportunity to live your main character moment. Reading a book outside can feel like an experience right out of a coming-of-age novel. It’s just enough effort that you can feel productive, but not enough to where relaxation is hard– plus, the outdoors never fails to give compelling inspiration for creativity. So, if you are feeling sad, stuck, or insecure, why not take it to nature with a book in hand? It can be a book of poems (be it Shakespeare or Shel Silverstein), a captivating novel (I’m a fool for a good dystopian), a play, or even your favorite children’s book (we love a little inner child work). For those looking for an activity to do today or just a way to add outdoor time into your routine, finding a good spot and taking some time to lose yourself in the pages is a great start. I recommend reading in an area enough in the public eye to feel noticed and connected, but not enough to where you think you’ll get distracted.
5. Get active!
This is my favorite outdoor activity. For me, the gym is an environment where I rarely feel comfortable. Especially in college, the crowd, noise, lack of space, and general culture can feel super intimidating. If you relate, try a workout outside. Depending on how hot it is, you should be cautious of how much sun you are receiving and make sure to drink plenty of water to ensure your safety, but it is a great alternative to going to the gym. My favorite outdoor exercises are HIIT workouts, yoga, and running, but nearly any workout can be accommodated outside. Working out outside can help you feel refreshed, energized, and confident, and (again) getting Vitamin D is a great mood booster.
The weather is warming up, and it is time to shake off the winter blues! Hopefully, some of these outdoor activities can serve as an inspiration for adding time outside to your day or your daily routine. Enjoy these activities alone, with friends, or with family, and soak up the serotonin! We all deserve it after the harsh winter.
Above all, be kind to yourself and stay safe!