Now that the temps are warmer- do yourself a favor & get outside!
We’ve just been through a horrible, cold winter and a rainy, cold spring….it’s time to enjoy the summer while we can. The best thing to do to brighten & lighten your mood is to get outside and some Vitamin D. Of course, don’t forget to put your sunscreen on daily!
One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to just simply be outside. Just being in the sun & enjoying the fresh air can quickly put you in a better mood. As New Englanders, we go through pretty harsh conditions in the winter & wait patiently for the sunshine to come around. It’s time to come out of hibernation & live your best life.
I believe that the weather definitely has an effect on mental health.
Being outside can lift your spirits, encourages you to be more active & in turn helps reduce your stress levels. There are studies that show that being in nature in general is said to significantly reduce stress, anxiety & depression.
Tired of going to the gym? Go for a walk around your block instead. Go for a swim. Play volleyball on the beach. There are so many endless physical activities you can do outside to get your body moving. I’m planning on moving my workouts to my backyard instead of my basement. That 30 minutes of fresh air in the morning combined with my workout routine will definitely help set the tone for a positive outlook on the day.
There are SO many ways you can get yourself outside & start reaping the benefits (both physically & mentally).
I’ve compiled a list of a few of my fav outdoor activities & a few that I want to start incorporating into my everyday routine. And the best part- most of them won’t cost you a dime! Free & good for your overall well being- YOU CAN’T BEAT THAT!
- Ride a bike
- Have a picnic or dinner on the beach
- Eat brunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating
- Go for a hike
- Workout outside (Stamford offers outdoor yoga for free in Harborpoint)
- Go for a walk in a local park (or bring your dog to a dog park)
- Watch a sunset
- Visit a farmer’s market
- Go camping (or glamping)
- Have a bonfire & make s’mores
- Take up gardening (I’m dying to plant an herb garden)
- Throw a BBQ
- Go to the beach or lake
