When the summer comes around, it often feels like a brand new opportunity to get back to your roots and reconnect with the Earth. Outdoor time is important for your spiritual and mental well-being in addition to your physical health, so it’s important to prioritize getting outside.
There are so many fun and creative ways to engage with your surroundings in nature. If you’re looking for some creative ideas for how you can get enjoy the outdoors this summer, you’ve got plenty to choose from.
1. Devote Some Time to Stillness
You can incorporate nature into nearly any of your favorite still, mindful activities to make them even more relaxing and immersive. Meditating outside can offer you all the beautiful nature sounds you love as a part of your practice, and maybe help you focus longer.
There’s also nothing like feeling the sun on your face while you journal, read a book or even just sip on your morning cup of tea. With so many options, there’s no reason not to take some of your chill time outdoors.
2. Flow It Out
You may be used to doing yoga in a studio with a teacher you love or at home in your pajamas. However, you could easily roll out the mat outside on the deck or at your local park.
Find a playlist that chills you out, a yoga video you adore or just tune in to the sounds of nature all around you. Yoga is already great for the mind, body and spirit — add in those beautiful rays of vitamin D, and you’re golden.
3. Take a Walk
If you’re having a busy day that feels like it might just keep you tied up inside for all your waking hours, make time for a five-minute walk outside.
Even if it isn’t a hike in the mountains or a deep yoga practice beneath a canopy of trees, taking a few minutes to simply be outside — especially when you feel overwhelmed — might be the pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed.
4. Get Your Hands Dirty
What better way to connect to the Earth than digging right down into it? Gardening doesn’t just get you outside and moving, but it also offers you the chance to see the literal fruits of your labors.
Nothing compares to eating a fruit, vegetable or herb you grew yourself on your own land. It’s a long process, but that’s part of the beauty of it. Even if you’re a beginner in the garden, it’s never too late to start.
5. Hop in the Water
Water is a fundamental part of connecting with nature, and there are so many ways to explore it. A classic trip to the beach or a dip in the river can do wonders, but if you’re looking to make an even bigger splash, you can embark on a kayaking trip or learn how to surf.
Engaging in new experiences is fun and exciting. It gives you something to focus on while you soak in the beautiful world around you.
6. Spend the Night
Whether you’re a veteran of the outdoors or a first-time camper, sleeping outside can foster a beautiful connection to nature in a brand new way. Consider taking an overnight camping trip with some friends and family.
If you’re new to camping and it feels a little intimidating, you can try it out in your own backyard for practice. Feeling the ground beneath you, smelling the change in the air and looking up at a sky full of stars is sure to have anyone feeling that love for the outdoors.
7. Lose the Shoes
You can do this one almost anywhere. Kicking your shoes off and feeling the ground beneath your feet may seem simple and easy, but often it’s the little things that make the biggest impact.
Spending just a few minutes barefoot in nature captures a spirit of childlike connectedness that’s unique and powerful.
Getting Back to Nature
No matter what you choose to do once you get outside, focusing your energy on nature is a beautiful thing. There are so many ways to deepen your connection to the Earth.
Finding which activities are right for you can make the journey there fun, unique, and unforgettable.
