Saturday, June 10th is National Get Outdoors Day. This day exists to “encourage Americans, especially our youth, to seek out healthy, active outdoor lives and embrace our parks, forests, refuges and other public lands and waters.” Below are some ideas to help you celebrate the day outside.
Go For a Hike
Trails have much to offer: great views, relaxing sounds, family bonding time or solitude. Not only will a nice hike refresh your mind, it is also great for your overall health. A recent study in Japan found that people who walked through a forest were more relaxed and less stressed than people who walked through an urban area. To find a trail near you, visit traillink.com.
Take Your Pup to the Dog Park
Can anyone be unhappy while walking a dog? I certainly don’t think so. Since you and your dog both need regular exercise, why not celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with a nice long walk with your four-legged friend? And as a bonus, spending time with your dog has been proven to reduce stress. If you don’t have a dog, consider walking a shelter pet. The shelter and the dog will thank you.
Visit a National or State Park
National and State Parks are the best. They’re beautiful and historic places set aside for us to learn from and enjoy. There are any number of activities to participate in, depending on the park, including swimming, kayaking, hiking, climbing, boating and more. Check out National Parks here and State Parks here.
Volunteer
What better way to spend a day outdoors than by doing some good? Check with local nonprofits and parks to see if they’re organizing a clean-up day, a trail maintenance day or a creek clearing day. If nothing is being organized in your area, consider grabbing a few friends and picking up trash in your neighborhood.
Plant a Garden
Growing a garden is not only rewarding, but it’s also great for the environment. Planting your own food keeps harmful pesticides out of the air and out of your body, and it can have a big effect on your pocketbook. A study by the National Gardening Association found that a $70 investment returns $530 in produce. Make a big dent in your grocery bill while getting outside. It’s a win-win!
Learn a New Skill – REI, Home Depot
Learning new things enables you to relate to more people and improves your cognitive skills. And there are several companies who want to teach you things for free! REI offers classes on a variety of subjects including climbing, hiking, and cycling, and many of the classes are offered for free. If you’re hoping to tackle a project, The Home Depot offers free workshops for men, women and kids to help anyone kick off a DIY project with confidence.
…
