When summer rolls around and the weather starts to heat up, it’s all too easy to sit inside and waste away the hours. And with the cost of everything becoming more and more expensive, a lot of us don’t have the money to spend on holidays or trips.
But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer stuck inside. Spending time outside doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and getting some fresh air has unique benefits for our physical and mental health.
So, in this post, we’ll show you six fun activities you can do this summer to get outdoors without breaking the bank.
Reasons to Go Outside
Whether it’s your favorite Netflix show, scrolling TikTok, or just a lack of motivation, there is always something keeping us inside. But there are some surprising benefits of stepping out the front door.
Boost your physical health
Researchers found that hospital patients who spent time outdoors needed less pain medication, had fewer complications, and got out of hospital quicker. That is to say, being outside can seriously boost your physical health.
Just taking a stroll outside or being around trees can lower your blood pressure, which is good news for heart health.
Improve your mental game
Did you know that just looking at trees can reduce your stress-related hormones? Getting outside and into nature makes us happy and can be a great way to help with anxiety, depression, and anger – all of which are notably reduced after spending time outside.
Get your hit of Vitamin D
We need regular vitamin D to function properly. In fact, without it, you’ll experience fatigue, bone pain, muscle aches, and even depression.
The very best way to get your vitamin D is to spend 10-30 minutes in the midday sun two to three times a week. If you have darker skin, you may need a little bit more to maintain healthy blood levels.
Socialize with friends
After spending months in lockdown restrictions, we all know how isolating it can be being inside alone for long periods of time. Getting outside is a great way to socialize with friends and family and maintain relationships with the people we love most.
Call up a friend you haven’t seen in a while and suggest one of the activities below; you’ll be glad you did!
What are the Best Outdoor Activities?
Whether you’re looking for something to get your blood pumping or want something peaceful to do in the sunshine, there is an activity for everyone outdoors.
Hiking
There are over 87,000 logged hiking trails all over America and thousands more across the world. All you need are some decent hiking boots, and you can get started with local walking trails in your city.
For something a little more adventurous, Nepal Treks are some of the most popular in the world, with breathtaking views and incredible experiences to have along the way.
Running
Runners lower their chances of dying from heart disease by 50%. It’s a fantastic form of cardiovascular exercise, and the runner’s high is real – you’ll feel great after a run.
It’s tough getting started if you’ve never taken up running before, but starting slow with short runs is the best way to build up your stamina for running.
Get a friend involved and sign up for a local 5K or 10K run. It’ll give you the motivation to train, and you’ll get a medal to show for your commitment.
Cycling
If you live in a cycle-friendly city with lots of bike paths, what better way to explore than on a bike? You’ll cover far more ground so you can go further afield and will improve your health in the process.
Many cities have cycle schemes that let you hire bikes for the day if you don’t have your own, so you don’t need to splash out on a new bike to get active.
Wild swimming
Wild swimming is becoming increasingly popular, and you’re probably seeing more about it online. It’s a great way to boost physical and mental health, and people have found it to be a great way of coping with all that’s going on in the world.
If the idea of jumping into an ice-cold lake is a little daunting, see if there is a local wild swimming group in your area. You’ll meet some new people and learn the ropes from experienced swimmers.
Gardening
For something a little more peaceful, gardening is a great outdoor activity. Research has found gardening does wonders for mental health, and many communities have gardening programs for mental health.
If you don’t have your own garden, there are usually community gardening projects you can join that help you get outside and give back to the community by planting new flower beds and tidying green spaces.
Geocaching
If you love exploring, you’ll love geocaching. Think of it as real-life treasure hunting. Thousands of people around the world sign up to take part, and there are hidden treasures in almost every city to find.
All you need to do is download a geocaching app, and you’ll get a pin of the location of some hidden treasure. Using the clues, you and your friends can go find it. It could be cash, a hidden note, or something totally unique.
Conclusion
There are so many ways to spend your time outdoors, and no matter what you choose, you’ll see immediate benefits for both your physical and mental health. Plus, almost all of the activities we’ve talked about are totally free, so it’s a great way of spending time with friends without breaking the bank.
Whether you take up jogging, wild swimming, or sitting in the park enjoying the sun, we hope you take the time to get outdoors this summer.
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