Studies have shown that those of us who spend more time outdoors and less cooped up inside feel the benefits physically and mentally. In colder months, it's easy to stay inside, on the couch binge watching Netflix, but it's really important that we spend as much time outside as we can.
Here are a few ways to get outside and get that body moving!
Walk to work
This may be the most straightforward solution to getting more time out in the open. It may also be the most difficult for people to do too because the idea of walking to work and not jumping in your car can seem like way too much hassle on a busy morning.
Of course, there will be some things that you need to get in order before you can do this, including waking up a little earlier and being super organised in the morning. However, it is totally doable and should become a lot easier when you get into the habit. Also, by cutting down on the amount you use your car, you will be doing the environment a massive favour as well, making it a double win situation!
Make your garden more usable
Another smart move that you can make that will help you to spend more time out of doors is to make your garden or backyard as usable as possible. What this means is that you will need to get rid of the weeds and doing a little tidying up, so you actually want to spend time out there.
Of course, you can go further and install some facilities that will make spending time in your garden more pleasurable. There's options like this gable patio that you can install that will provide a healthy amount of shade for you when spending time outside.
Exercise outside
You may think that the best place to do your exercise routine is in an air-conditioned gym, but that isn't always the case. In fact, there are quite a few benefits to working out outside, including the fact that you are likely to get bored with your routine much less quickly, as the scenery will always be changing.
Additionally, running or biking on varied terrain will also provide you with a much more challenging workout that you would get if you just used gym equipment. That is before we even factor in the benefits of fresh air and vitamin D as well.
Work alfresco
OK, so this option is a bit divisive as some people can efficiently work outside and enjoy doing so.
However, there are people that also really have trouble concentrating out of doors, whether that is because of the sunlight, the noise, simply all the hustle and bustle.
Of course, if you are part of the former group then taking your laptop out onto your porch or veranda at home, or to a park or outdoor coffee shop while at work is a viable option. If you fall into the latter group, however, you may be better offer breaking up your workday with short walks outside which should refresh you, provide you with an opportunity to get away from your desk and help you stretch out as well.
Make outdoor pursuits your hobby
Now I know whenever you hear the term outdoor pursuits, we tend to think about going on survival missions in the outback or something equally as hard work. However, that doesn't have to be the case. In fact, there are a vast range of fun outdoor activities that you can take up as a hobby to ensure you get more fresh air and vitamin D.
One, in particular, that is very popular right now is paddle boarding. This when you ride a wide board in a standing up position, with a paddle that allows you to move through the water. It is something that can be done on the lake and the ocean, and because of the need for excellent stability while standing up your muscles, especially your core will get a fantastic work out as well as it allowing you to spend more timeout of doors.
However, if water sports aren't really your thing, why not do something else instead like horse riding, hiking or even a swim in the ocean!
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