“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” ~ Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Summer is nigh upon us! Stores nationwide have their swimsuits and outdoor pools at the forefront of their aisles. Most places in the United States are warming up and there is a buzz in the air that comes from the excitement summer brings. I want to share some ideas to help you make the most of the great outdoors this summer!
But first, let’s go over the power of being outside. Not too long ago, I wrote a blog post called, “Outdoor Therapy: Nature’s Cure.” In it, I shared that studies are repeatedly showing that being outside has positive psychological and physiological benefits. Ecotherapy (also known as green therapy, nature therapy, and earth-centered therapy) is contact with nature and is a powerful new kind of therapy. This type of therapy with nature has been found to be just as effective against depression as traditional psychotherapy or medication! And the amazing thing about ecotherapy is that it is free. Not only that, but it is completely accessible to anyone at anytime!
I know what you are thinking. I have a job and/or kids and a life with so much to do that makes it impossible to be outside all the time! I hear you. I know that it is not easy to make time to do something elective. Regardless, we need to put down our paperwork, pause our housework, and turn off our computer and get outside. Yes, we have many obligations and responsibilities that demand our attention, and making time for self-care seems like one more thing to squeeze into our overbooked schedules (to learn more about self-care, read this post). I have personally found it therapeutic to walk a trail near my home multiple times a week. I am refreshed and rejuvenated when I get outside, breathe in the air, smell the fresh honeysuckle, observe the dogs and their owners, and feel my body moving (especially helpful since I spend the majority of my day sitting for hours at a time). I can assure you that you will be better off because of the time you spend outside!
The following 55 ideas will jumpstart your summer and up the time you spend outdoors (and none of them require a great amount of time nor a large amount of money):
- Walk your dog (or get a dog!)
- Count your steps. Iphones, outdoor apps, fitbits, and so many other technological advancements make it incredibly easy to use an activity tracker.
- Listen or watch for birds
- Look for shooting stars
- Camping (or glamping if that is more your style!)
- Hike or run a local trail
- Chase waterfalls, soak in some hot springs, or visit a local swimming hole, river, or lake
- Go fishing
- Plant a garden
- Pick fresh flowers outside
- Pick up landscape photography
- Have a picnic
- Go tubing, kayaking, or rafting
- Visit local farmers’ market
- Fly a kite
- Set up a hammock and relax!
- Have a bonfire (don’t forget the s’mores!)
- Go geocaching or letterboxing
- Go hot air ballooning
- Walk instead of driving (when possible)
- Ride your bike
- Take up mountain biking
- Rent local scooters
- Visit a new park
- Go on a run
- Walk a mile
- Explore a new neighborhood or houses under construction
- Dance in the rain
- Follow a rainbow
- Swing on a swing
- Play on a playground
- Go swimming (and jump off the diving board)
- Go surfing
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
- Try bouldering or rock climbing
- Visit a National Park
- Take a walk at lunch
- Sit on a sandy beach
- Plant a tree
- Outdoor BBQ
- Summer chairlift ride (preferably during the full moon!)
- Stroll around the city
- Play catch, basketball, kickball, or any outdoor yard game
- Get lawn seats to a concert
- Stand on a summit
- Go boating or sailing
- Listen to the ocean
- Organize an outdoor scavenger hunt
- Color with sidewalk chalk
- Wash your own car
- Participate in a park clean-up
- Try outdoor yoga (for the sunrise!)
- Collect seashells or build a sand castle
- Sand volleyball
- Set up an outdoor movie with a projector + sheet
Which ones will you do first? Consider making a list of these ideas (plus any others you might have!) and crossing them off as you complete them. Put them on the calendar and make them happen! Allow yourself to enjoy the beautiful warm weather this summer.
If you find yourself feeling frustrated with life, discouraged, or lonely this summer, I encourage you to reach for your tennis shoes before medication. Enjoying a healthy dose of mother nature does incredible good for both your mind and body. I offer walk and talk therapy for some of my clients; it is amazing what can be accomplished when I spend just 20 minutes outside walking with my clients at the beginning of a session! Please do not hesitate to contact me today to schedule your first personalized session.
Melissa Cluff is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Lewisville, Texas, personally seeing clients in the North Dallas area.
Resources:
- Back Road Ramblers: “32 EASY WAYS TO GET OUTSIDE IN 2018”
- Cluff Counseling: “Are You Addicted to Your Phone?”
- Cluff Counseling: “Outdoor Therapy: Nature’s Cure”
- Cluff Counseling: “Self-care: Is it Selfish?”
- CRC Health: “Why Nature is Therapeutic”
- Los Angeles Times: “A new twist on mental health: Running with the therapist while discussing life’s problems”
- Medical Daily: “Why You Need To Go Outside: Health Benefits Of The Outdoors”
- Outdoor Families: “18 Ways For Families To Get Outside This Summer”
- Outside Online: “It’s Time for Doctors to Prescribe Outdoor Therapy | Outside Online”
- Psychology Today: “The Power of Nature: Ecotherapy and Awakening”
- Reader’s Digest: “Get Off the Couch and Get Outside! Here’s How”
- REI: “95 WAYS TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE”
- U.S. News: “8 Frugal Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors This Summer”
- WebMD: “Do You Need a Nature Prescription”
