Enjoy the Outdoors

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck behind your desk day in and day out? Do you feel like you’re studying in the library with no end in sight? These are the moments that it can be particularly helpful to just get outside and take a walk. Sitting in one place for a prolonged amount of time can stifle your creativity in the workplace and can even have adverse effects on your body. However, multiple studies have confirmed that taking a break by taking a walk outside can improve your short-term memory, restore your mental energy and relieve stress.

Here are some tips on how to incorporate the outdoors into your busy schedule:

1. Go for a morning walk

Sometimes we just don’t have the time to work out in the mornings. That being said, without some sort of morning exercise, we often find ourselves running through the motions of our day without really focusing. To combat this, taking a short morning walk can help get your thoughts flowing and add productivity to your day.

If you love multitasking, it might help to make yourself your morning coffee and enjoy it as you walk. If you find it hard to wake up in the morning, listening to a podcast as you walk can help you feel more awake and engaged.

2. Check to see if there are any good hiking spots near your home

Weekend hikes can be a great way to relieve stress that’s built up from a week of work. We recommend choosing a new hike every week, that way you get to see more of your town while also exploring new sights.

Always be safe while hiking and try to bring a friend, it’s much more fun in groups! Thankfully, no matter where you live, there are likely hikes for people of all skill levels, so find what works for you.

3. Try outdoor yoga

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Yoga takes a lot of focus and commitment, but the great thing is that you can do it at home. All you need is a yoga mat and the internet! Looking up a few yoga poses a week and trying them out outside is a great way to disconnect from technology and just meditate. This also provides you with some necessary time away from work and school stresses while enjoying some time outside.

4. Encourage your family and friends to plan outdoor activities

We don’t always have a lot of down time to spend with friends and family, but when we do, it’s often spent eating dinner or just sitting down and chatting. Rather than sticking to the status quo, try something new by planning outdoor activities. Whether it’s a sunset picnic or a short walk on the beach, try to incorporate these healthy habits into the time you spend with others.

5. Take meetings, study, or work outside.

In times when work and school are really busy with deadlines or finals, find a way to incorporate the outdoors.