Creative ways to take indoor activities outdoors.

For far too many of us, the only time we spend outdoors is going to and from the car or the bus stop.  But by spending the entire day inside, we may be denying ourselves opportunities to connect to the world. “Being outdoors improves your mood and mental focus,” says James Coupe, PsyD, psychologist in private practice and clinical director of St. John Vianney Center, a residential center in Downingtown, PA. “Participation in outdoor activities helps you feel energized and restored,” he says. 

Not to mention the effects on awareness. “Mindfulness requires you to exercise awareness and acceptance, which demands psychic energy and attention,” Coupe says. “Being outside facilitates this experience because there are so few distractions,” he says. Instead of connecting to our devices, we find connections to the sound of water lapping on the shore, the warmth of sunlight on our faces, and the energy we feel when we breathe fresh air, all of which support mindfulness practice.  

Being in nature also relieves stress. Studies show people who spend time outdoors have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who spend more time inside. And outdoor activities help us socially distance, and therefore, continue to safely engage in things we might not have otherwise been able to do. 

So much time should you spend outside to reap the benefits? Research published in Scientific Reports says at least two hours a week. Here are some creative ways to take traditionally indoor activities outside: 

• Work outside. Take advantage of work-from-home hours and move your workspace into the fresh air. You can set up a mini-work station on a deck, driveway, or patio. 

• Create your own personal drive-in theater. Set up a big screen television outside and watch a movie under the stars.  

• Take yoga, meditation or tai chi up a notch by practicing them in natural surroundings. You can do them in your yard, or head to a beach, park, or lakeside. You can get even closer to nature by doing these activities on a paddleboard, floating on a river or bay. 

• Have a picnic. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner outdoors, as formally or informally as you’d like. Set up a candlelight bistro table and enjoy a romantic gourmet meal, or eat breakfast sandwiches barefoot on a blanket. 

• Work out al fresco. There are lots of physical and mental benefits of exercising outdoors. Depending on your workout style, find a boot camp, jog through a local park with a friend, or go swimming in a lake. Want to stick close to home? Take your strength training routine into your driveway and ask a few workout buddies to join. 

• Read a book on a blanket in the grass. Soak in the sun and get some immune-boosting vitamin D. 

• Sleep under the stars. Set up a tent and camp out in the backyard. Take a laptop with you and enjoy a movie night. 

• Adopt a new outdoor hobby. Use the motivation to spend more hours outside to plant an herb garden, paint landscapes, or take some natural photographs. 

• Set up an outdoor game. Play badminton, kickball, or croquet, or set up a card table and play your favorite board game outside by a fire. 

• Get together with friends in a park or nature preserve. You’ll enjoy a combination of the beautiful surroundings and good company. 

 As humans, we are designed to be outdoors. Our brains are wired to respond to all the smells, sights, and wonders you experience outside. And because it forces you to slow down and unplug, nature offers the perfect backdrop for mindfulness. As you engage in more outdoor endeavors, soak in what you smell, hear, and see. Outdoor living benefits us, body and soul.