Bucket Journal ~ It's a special journal to dream about, plan, and record your bucket list memories.
7 Ways to Get Outside More Often in 2023
It's easy to be hard on ourselves and think that outdoor activities must involve strenuous tasks such as trekking for five miles, cycling for an hour or more, or going camping with friends. The mistake we make here is forgetting there are plenty of creative ways to get outside that don't take much time or money.
Make plans to get outside for even 15 minutes every day. Not only does it help reduce stress, but spending time outdoors also increases physical activity and promotes overall well-being. You can benefit from being outside without a significant planning effort – it doesn’t have to be so complicated!
To help everyone get outside more this year - even if it’s just a few minutes - We have some tips below!
1. Bird Watching
Take up bird watching and explore the fascinating world of our feathered friends! Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby that allows you to observe, learn about, and even photograph birds in their natural habitats.
Bird watching is an excellent way to sharpen your listening skills. Birds use specific calls and songs to communicate with each other, so learning how to identify these sounds can be incredibly useful when trying to track down certain species in the wild. Additionally, by taking time out of your day to really focus on listening for bird calls, you can train yourself to become more mindful and aware of your surroundings - something that will benefit all aspects of your life!
It’s a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of these amazing creatures.
2. Take Up Photography
If you want to get creative outside, look no further than photography! Most of us have our smartphones on hand, so it's easy and accessible. Plus, learning how to take stunning photos gives an extra incentive for getting out there--especially around sunrise and sunset when the light is golden.
Grab your phone and head to the nearest park or garden; then start capturing beautiful moments with butterflies, flora, and fauna as your subjects. With just a few clicks of the shutter button, you can immortalize these gorgeous scenes forever and enjoy some sunshine in process!
3. Have a Picnic
One of the best experiences in life is enjoying a meal outdoors, be it on the side of the road, in your backyard, or even planned for leisurely weekend getaways. To help you take advantage of these moments whenever they arise, keep a picnic basket stocked with essential items at all times in your car! You'd be surprised how much joy and relaxation can come from taking just minutes out to savor some time outside.
Picnicking in your backyard is a great way to connect with nature and have fun at the same time. With a few simple supplies, you can turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis for a relaxing day.
If you’re looking to have a more adventurous picnic experience, consider camping in your own backyard. Even if you don’t have access to the woods or have a tent, you can still set up a comfortable space for eating and sleeping.
Set up a few chairs or bean bags, grab some blankets and pillows to make the area cozy, and don’t forget the food!
4. Stroll the Local Farmers Market
There’s something special about meandering through a local farmers market, taking in all the sights and smells while strike up conversations with vendors. It’s an opportunity to slow down and appreciate all that nature has to offer us — something we could all use a little more of these days.
2020 was tough, no doubt about it. But one silver lining is that it forced many of us to get creative when it came to how we connect with friends and family, where we source our food, and how we find entertainment. If you had fun getting outside and trying new things this past year, make sure to keep those experiences top-of-mind as you plan for 2023 and beyond.
Who knows, maybe visiting your local farmers market will become one of your favorite traditions.
5. Try Geocaching or Letterboxing
Geocaching is an exciting outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It involves using GPS coordinates to search for hidden containers filled with treasures called "geocaches." These containers are usually waterproof and contain a logbook, trinkets, and other items related to the location where it was found.
If you need a little nudge to get out the door, think of geocaching like an outdoor treasure hunt! Grab your state park bucket journal and head out on an adventure.
With letterboxing, you simply follow step-by-step instructions that lead you to a small box containing an ink pad, rubber stamp, and journal book. You can then use the letterbox stamp in your own journal before using your handmade stamp on their notebook. Additionally, don't forget to add notes in both journals at the end of it all for extra fun!
6. Tend a Container Garden
Nurturing a garden offers numerous advantages, including encouraging you to go outdoors, but it can be a big time commitment. A container garden is great for small gardening blocks of time.
Each day spend a few minutes tending the plants with water and collect your homegrown vegetables and herbs for harvesting.
Even if taking care of yourself isn't enough motivation for you to step outside, caring for the plants certainly is-they won't stay alive without your attention! So make sure you get out there regularly!
7. Stargazing
Enjoying nature doesn't only happen during the day. Stargazing on a clear night is one of the most magical experiences you can have in nature.
On a cloudless evening, when the moon has set, and all that remains is darkness, it’s possible to see thousands of stars twinkling in the sky like diamonds scattered across an infinite black canvas.
Gazing up into the night sky can be awe-inspiring, reminding us just how small we are in comparison to this vast universe. Stargazing also gives us perspective and helps to put our worries into perspective as we take time out from our busy lives to appreciate what lies beyond Earth's atmosphere.
These 7 ways to get outside more often in 2023 are easy, enjoyable, and can be done solo or with family and friends. Pick one or two that resonate with you and make getting outside a priority in the coming year. You'll be glad you did!
What are your favorite ways to enjoy nature? Drop us a line and tell us what's missing from our list!
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