Spending time in nature is important. There is a huge connection between green space and health. Beyond all of the health benefits, there's an obvious environmental case to be made too.
The more time that you spend in nature enjoying her beauty, splendor, and seeing how the natural world operates - the more likely you are to want to PROTECT it.
After all, why would you want to protect the environment and our eco-systems if you never actually spend time admiring them?
This is one reason it's so important to spend time outside with your family. If you want your nieces, nephews or kids to grow up and be good stewards of the environment, then you need to teach them.
Show them how wonderful the world is and how important it is to protect it.
And, if I haven't convinced just listen to these awesome health benefits on spending time outside.
Walking in Nature could help improve your short term memory and your creativity. A study was done by the University of Michigan where they divided the students into two groups. They gave the students a short memory test and found the group of students who took a walk before their test performed 20% better than those who didn't!
Being in nature helps to reduce stress. Being surrounded by trees can help lower your cortisol levels making your happier and less worried.
It's also been proven to help decrease anxiety, inflammation, and fatigue!
When I quit caffeine, one of the main ways I helped bolster my energy was swapping my lunch sitting in the cafeteria for a nice walk outside. It always helped to boost my mood, energy, focus, and creativity levels.
As we're moving into the warmer months and that sweet, sweet sunshine is moving in to replace rain clouds, I thought I should round up a list of awesome activities you and/or your family can participate in to get you outside!
Oh yeah, and did I mention that our spring colors just launched? I'm very excited because they're all get-outside themed! They're perfect exploring colors like living coral, tidal, seashell, and moss.
What are you waiting for!? Get Outside!
- Pack yourself a zero-waste picnic! Head to your local park equipped with reusable utensils, plates, and lots of yummy stone fruit - tis the season!
- Go on a nice hike. Pick a great day hike in your local area, pack some yummy homemade granola and don't forget to bring your reusable water bottles!
- Take a night trip to go look at the stars. This was one of my favorite activities as a kid. Drive a little bit out of town to avoid light pollution. Pack blankets, pillows, and lay back to look at our beautiful ever expanding universe!
- Plan a camping trip! One of the best ways to be more cognizant of your waste is by packing in/out. If you don't have camping equipment, don't rush out to buy some - ask friends and family if you can borrow theirs to make it a truly eco-friendly event!
- Start a little garden. Even if you don't have a big backyard (or no backyard) you can still plant a few herbs and place them in the windowsill. It's a great way to get in touch with how our food is grown.
- Visit a local farm or farmers market. Head to a local u-pick farm where you can go and pick your own in-season fruit. It's a ton of fun and you get a tasty local treat to bring home.
- Next time you're on a walk around your neighborhood pick-up the litter you see. When you pick up litter, you inspire others to do the same.
- Go swimming in a natural body of water instead of the pool. Pools are great but if you want to spend time in nature enjoy natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans.
- Craft a DIY project like a bee house, bird house, or bird feeder using upcycled materials. There are tons of ideas on Pinterest!
- Grab your bikes and go on a family bike ride. Whether it's around the neighborhood, in a park, or you have a fun destination in mind... like to your local ice-cream shop? Just remember to opt for cones a totally plastic-free way to enjoy that summer treat.
