5 Ways To Spend Quality Time Outdoors
The pandemic transformed connections in such a way that most interactions are now done online, whether it’s a video call with friends or a work conference. Technology is now the most popular way to communicate with others due to its vast range of perks, and it’s been dubbed the “new normal.” Because of this predilection (and privilege) for online activities, taking part in outdoor pastimes might be increasingly rare for some. As a result, the expression “touch some grass” becomes almost literal.
It’s all about finding the right balance in life, which is why adding some outside activities to your monthly schedule is a great idea. “Outdoor natural environments may provide some of the best all-round health benefits by increasing physical activity levels, altering physiological functioning including stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue, and improving mood and self-esteem,” Valerie Gladwell reports in Extreme Physiology & Medicine.
Here are a few fun outdoor activities to try out:
1. Try strawberry-picking (or picking during any fruit in season).
The quality of a great purchase is determined by the experience you have while doing it, therefore picking up fruits and vegetables by yourself is a special method of buying them. This is a plan that adds even more weight if you get to support local shops while doing it. It’s also a great pastime for those upcoming sunny days.
2. Attend to a music festival.
Every year, dozens of music festivals take place around the world with the U.S. hosting the large majority of them, expanding the possibilities for individuals looking to attend one with their closest friends. The options for 2022 are endless, from Primavera Sound to the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to Coachella and there are so many other indie and alternative festivals to choose from.
3. Take a class outdoors.
According to the American Psychological Association, “spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.” Enrolling in yoga, dance, or painting classes outside of a conventional studio where you can connect with others while learning is an affordable and simple approach to do this. Your physical health is not the only aspect that wins from this, but doing so also offers valuable mental health benefits.
4. Have a photography date.
A photography date is a fun option to share with a good pal, whether it’s an active or passive hobby. You can also spend the date all by yourself if what you prefer is a calm and relaxed environment. There are numerous opportunities to photograph nature, from the sky above you or the plants just beneath your gaze.
5. Enjoy an amusement park evening.
Leisure time is needed not to recharge energy, as treating people like batteries is unhealthy, but to just cherish great moments away from your usual surroundings. An amusement park is a classic fun twist to someone’s weekend, and it’s also known as a source of stress relief by distracting yourself thanks to a good dose of adrenaline boost.
