Aren't you tired of spending all those months cooped up at home? Now that the lockdown and travel restrictions are starting to ease up, most of us are looking forward to going on vacation and spending some time outside, but that may not be a feasible option just yet. Fortunately, you don't have to travel far to bask in the glory of Mother Nature; there are countless ways to have some fun in the sun and enjoy the outdoor scenery at their finest. Whether you're spending time with family and friends or flying solo, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Take Up Yoga

Maybe you want to revisit your new year's resolution to get in shape this year, or perhaps you just want to try something new. In any case, one of the best ways to spend the summer is to indulge in outdoor fitness activities. Many yoga and fitness instructors host free or low-cost sessions outdoors during the summer - usually in a park or on a beach. Doing yoga outside is a great way to change up your routine, clear your mind, super-charge your body, and become one with your surroundings.

Pack a Picnic

The summer months call for spending time outside with friends and family, and what better way to do that than by going on a picnic together! For a relaxing picnic, pack enough food and drinks for the day and head to the nearest lake or beach in the area. Some beaches and camping grounds near lakes allow people to set up bonfires, which is a great way to add warmth - both literally and figuratively - and make your time outdoors more cozy and intimate.

Go Stargazing

You don't have to be a professional astronomer to identify stars, planets, or constellations in the sky. You can simply download a stargazing app on your phone, spread a blanket on the lawn once the sun goes to bed for the night, and look up! If you want to take it to the next level, you might find local museums and planetariums in your area hosting moon watching and stargazing events throughout the summer. Check out their events calendar for upcoming sessions, and enjoy learning about those sparkling dots and lines in the night sky.

Go on a Hike

Hiking is a classic outdoor activity that is scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, improve your quality of sleep, and help increase your intake of vitamin D. In addition to that, hiking is a low-impact exercise that anyone can enjoy regardless of their age or fitness level, as you can always control its intensity and duration. Be it into the woods, along the beach, or even through the mountains, a hike is just a long walk in nature.

Try Kayaking

If you're looking to try a new outdoor sport but don't have the time or energy to go through the training process, then kayaking could be perfect for you. It has a minimal learning curve, and you can pretty much learn all the basics in a single day. You just have to do a little research and find a useful link to help you choose the best kayak and walk you through the necessary information you need to know. Once you're on the water watching the surrounding landscape pass by, you'll quickly begin to enter a state of complete serenity.

Go Camping

To immerse yourself in nature and truly enjoy the outdoor scenery at their finest, consider going on a camping trip. Camping has long been the go-to activity for all nature lovers. It opens the door to numerous outdoor activities, such as stargazing, hiking, open-water swimming, and fishing, but it also allows you to sit back and do nothing. Moreover, camping can give you a much-needed break from technology, allowing you to completely disconnect from the outside world and focus on taking in the surrounding landscape and recharging your energy.

Go Fishing

What could be better than a relaxing outdoor activity that comes with the prospect of free dinner! With a combination of concentration and good luck, your fishing trip can offer sustenance as well as solace. Just imagine the view of the trees or mountains towering above you as you watch the birds soar over your head while waiting for a fish to take the bait, doesn't this sound magical?

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. The list can go on to include hundreds of other activities, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you choose to do as long as you take the time to unwind and destress from the pressure of your daily life and reconnect with Mother Nature. Whether you just do yoga in the park or go on a week-long camping trip, every moment you spend outside will bring you closer to a happier and healthier version of yourself. Just remember to put on your most comfortable shoes, wear sunscreen, pack the appropriate essentials, and you'll be good to go.


WRITTEN BY

Daria Brown