Collaborative post
We’re beginning to understand something that perhaps should have been obvious: it is not natural that we spend so much time inside buildings, sitting down, staring into a screen. While there’s obviously space for this in our lives, it shouldn’t amount to the totality of our existence: we should make time to get our fill of the outdoors, too. There are many good reasons for doing so, including the benefit that it gives to our mental health. Studies have shown that just 15 minutes in the outdoors can be enough to give our mood a nudge in the right direction.
But when life is so busy, how can we spend more time in the outdoors? We take a look at a few ways how below.
Make a Commitment
A lot of people have a vague wish to spend more time in the outdoors, but it doesn’t always happen. Why? Because there was no commitment — there was just the vague desire. If you’re going to increase the amount of time you spend in the outdoors, then it’s important that you make a commitment to doing so. If you vow that you’ll spend an hour each week in nature, no matter what other obligations you have, then you will end up doing so.
Find Your Local Areas
One of the reasons why people are forever in the city is because they think that “the outdoors” must exist somewhere far away: there is just too much concrete all around, how could there be green spaces around here?! But that’s not the case at all, especially if you’re in the UK. Get a load of this fact: just 10% of the UK is “built up” — that’s all the roads, buildings, cities, everything. So there is a lot of green space around. Do a little bit of research, and you’ll find that there will be plenty of picturesque sites within an hour’s drive from you.
In the Home
Of course, it won’t always be possible to pack up your car and go exploring in the outdoors all the time. You’ll have too many family commitments to make that a weekly thing. Instead, look at making it possible to enjoy being outdoors right on your own property. If you get your back garden in shape, then you and your family will always be a few steps away from spending time outdoors. Add some garden furniture, a BBQ for the summer, and an outdoor fire for those chilly evenings, and you’ll have the ideal outdoor space. If you have a garden, then don’t let it go to waste — make the most of it!
Find an Activity
One of the best ways to get outdoors as a family on a regular basis is to find an outdoor activity. This could be biking, walking, or anything else, so long as it’s outdoors. As well as giving your family their fix of nature, you’ll also be helping to keep them fit and healthy too. It’s a much better way to spend the day than staring at a TV screen!
