June 10, 2021
Have you felt a little cooped up over the last year? Fortunately, warm weather has arrived and it’s time to get outside and enjoy it! There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy that are both healthy and fun. Here are five ways to get started:
Eating well is the foundation for healthy living, and the warmer weather opens up all kinds of exciting opportunities to enjoy a meal outside. Grilled lean meats and fish are lighter on calories than fried alternatives and are a perfect excuse to fire up the grill and spray down the patio set. Pair these delicious sources of protein with fresh vegetables in-season — a crudité platter is always refreshing on a warm day, as are any number of summer salads.
Speaking of all those fresh vegetables, the effort that goes into cultivating them is time well spent outdoors! Gardening keeps you active and the act of growing your own fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables may even help encourage you to eat healthier. Gardening is also good for your mental health: being active outdoors improves mood and self-esteem.
If you really want to increase your activity outdoors, take a hike. Public parks are full of trails with varying degrees of difficulty, which means there’s a perfect adventure for you no matter what your fitness level is. You’re not limited to staying on your feet, either; ditch your stationary bike in the house and take advantage of bike paths. Even if you don’t own a bike yourself, local bike shares, like Indego, make it easy to get out for a ride.
It’s easy for home improvement projects to pile up in the colder months. Warm weather is the perfect excuse to get outside and do yard work.
, spruce up your home, or learn a new do-it-yourself skill. Even if you don’t own a home, you can still get in the spirit by participating in a “clean up day” at a local park or volunteering with an area non-profit.Kayaking. Canoeing. An outdoor fitness class. Public basketball or tennis courts. There is no shortage of outdoor activities that would be new to you, so get out there and try them!
Before you head out anywhere, make sure you’re fully vaccinated. Local governments are easing the restrictions which have been in place for much of the past year, and being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to safely enjoy any number of activities — indoors or outdoors!
