Spring has sprung, and that means longer days are back! As the frost melts and the sun shines brighter, more light outside makes it easier to get moving and spend time outdoors. 

Being outside has many wonderful benefits for physical and mental health, promotes a chance to recharge and revitalize, and even encourages a boost in productivity!

Stepping outdoors makes it easier to move more freely, which can provide a little momentum to add a little “spring” to your step. Increasing movement can be simple and fun when it’s in the sun. And we have a few ideas for you to transition from inside to outside activities.

healthy ways to get outside

Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

After being cooped up all winter, it’s like a breath of fresh air to take in the warmer weather. Spending time outside in nature promotes good health and well-being.

Physical Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

  • Increased vitamin D - direct sun exposure is the best source for your body to make this important nutrient.

  • Improved sleep – spending time outdoors helps reset your internal clock by promoting your body’s natural production of melatonin in the evenings.

  • Better weight management – being outside may result in more overall activity and the ability to maintain or lose weight.

  • Improved cardiovascular health – increased activity and breathing fresh air can improve overall lung and heart health.

  •  Increased immune support – sunlight and contact with naturally occurring microorganisms in nature help your body practice its natural defenses and prepare to fight off pathogens.

Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

  • Reduced stress and anxiety – stepping away from screens and surrounding yourself outdoors can be a natural stress management technique to calm your mind.

  • A boost in mood and happiness – being in nature can provide a way to balance serotonin, which helps you be more resistant to stress and increase your overall well-being.

  • Enhanced creativity and cognitive function – taking a break and getting outside can help refocus your attention and overcome creative blocks, like a restart button for your brain.

6 Fun Outdoor Activities for Spring Fitness

Try one of these ways to enjoy nature and have fun in the sun.

1. Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore local hiking trails or parks in your community. Even if you’ve been to them before, look at it through a new lens. Notice the fresh flowers blooming, count all the colors you can find around you, or take photos of your favorite scenery. If you love journaling, mark all the sights and sounds you come across or try a nature scavenger hunt.

2. Check out your local farmer’s market

Farmer’s Market is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and support your healthy habits! Buying locally grown, seasonal produce is likely more nutrient-dense than what you find on supermarket shelves. It’s also the perfect opportunity to support your local growers, give funds back to your local economy, and build relationships with people in your community.

3. Outdoor yoga and Pilates

The benefit of body-based activities is they can be done anywhere. Take your mindfulness practices outside and enjoy grounding yourself in nature. Practicing outside can help heighten your senses, increase your energy, and reinvigorate your motivation with a new setting. Grab your water bottle, yoga mat, and a towel, and head to a local park to camp under the trees. You can also check with your local studios, as some may already host weekly or monthly sessions outdoors.

4. Water activities and recreational sports

Do you live near the water? Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are fun ways to simultaneously enjoy the sun and exercise. If you love meeting new people, consider joining a local recreational team like soccer, frisbee, or volleyball. Or if running is your jam, springtime means the race season is starting to heat up – consider training for a 5k, half marathon, or full marathon if you’re up for it!

5. Go for gardening

Try out your green thumb and practice your gardening skills. Refresh your landscaping or plant some new blooms for your space. If you live in an apartment or a location where you don’t have outdoor greenery, you can try a few potted plants or even a windowsill herb garden. Herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil do well inside. Picking fresh herbs is a fun way to enhance your meals at home!

6. Take your meetings outside

If you work in an office setting, suggest a walking meeting instead of staying sheltered inside a closed office. And if you need help convincing people, remind them of the productivity benefits of being outside. If you work remotely, take your call while walking around the neighborhood. And even if you can’t physically walk during the meeting, even sitting outside to enjoy fresh air and sunlight can help make the meeting that should’ve been an email a little more enjoyable.

 

Tips for Maximizing Outdoor Fitness Experience

Protect from the sun – sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from UV rays. While some sun exposure is beneficial, if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure you lather up and reapply as necessary. And consider grabbing a hat and sunglasses, too.

Hydration is important – As the temperature heats up and your activity level increases, you’ll breathe heavier and sweat more. Be sure to get adequate water to replenish what you lose each day. And adding a few electrolytes every once in a while can ensure you’re body has a good balance of minerals when rehydrating.

Listen to your body – when it comes to exercise and movement, don’t overdo it. Set realistic goals, do what makes you feel good, and have fun! There are no hard and fast rules to enjoying the outdoors. Find the time to enjoy the activities that you love.

 

Final Thoughts on Healthy Outdoor Activities

Reap the benefits of abundant sunlight and get outside to refresh your mind, body, and spirit! Spending time outdoors when the weather allows can help boost your energy and mood while supporting brain health and immune function – all great things that will better prepare you to face the everyday challenges life throws at you. Being outside also means you’re likely to move more, which benefits heart health and sleep quality and increases your vitamin D production to support your body.

Make being outside fun and enjoyable, and allow yourself the time to relax and recharge away from screens and electronics. Whether you enjoy hiking, running, group activities, or decompressing with a yoga or stretch session, there are plenty of ways you can bask in the sun this spring.