In recent years, more and more people are finding ways to get outside to enjoy the sunshine, physical activity, and Mother Nature’s beauty. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, nearly two million more people participate in at least one outdoor activity every year. Loving the outdoors has simply become more of a popular lifestyle, and we’re quite okay with that.
Yet, as you probably know firsthand, life has also gotten more and more busy in recent years. Jobs demand longer hours, basic life responsibilities flood our free time, and social life (if you’re lucky to have one) demands significant emotional energy and presence. When push comes to shove, it can feel unrealistic to participate in the outside world (literally!). Don’t be discouraged, though: we’re here to give you a couple of tips to help you get outside when you have a busy schedule.
Plan Ahead
The easiest way to get the time outside that you want is to schedule it. Treat it just as if it were an important meeting or appointment. Plan out your week ahead of time and set aside a designated half hour or so for your favorite outside activity. If enjoying the outdoors is truly a priority, this may require you to say “no” to something else that’s filling your day.
Did you know the average American spends more than 11 hours a day interacting with media? We live in the era of smartphones and that makes filling each and every empty second of the day easier than ever. By simply cutting down your time on your phone or computer, it’s very possible to find at least thirty minutes a day to go on a walk, sit on your porch, or do some yard work. You are much more likely to discover space in your life when even the simplest pleasures are planned ahead in your schedule.
Take Your Current Schedule Outside
If there’s absolutely no way to say “no” to anything in your current schedule, there are many daily tasks and activities that can be merged with the outdoors. It’s helpful to start by listing out all the major events going on throughout your week. Then, make two columns, and separate your list into “activities that can take place outside” and “activities that absolutely cannot”.
So, what types of activities can take place outside?
Take your team meeting to a table outside. Most office buildings have some sort of seating outside. Sitting outside can even induce a new wave of creative productivity into your regular time together.
Ride your bike to work. If you live close enough, the pros heavily outweigh the cons when it comes to commuting via bicycle. It’s environmentally friendly and mentally stimulating. Just be sure to be safe when first starting.
Take a walk during a phone call. Sometimes you need privacy during a phone call at work, and the solution doesn’t have to be locking yourself up in your office. Plan a walk around the block, and soak up some sun.
Really, you’re only limited by your creativity. It’s all about trial and error when it comes to learning with everyday activities can be taken outside.
Spend More Time Outside
If you love the outdoors, you can’t afford to neglect regular time out in the sun, performing physical activity, and surrounding yourself with Mother Nature. Even with a busy schedule, with an open mind and intentionality, you can have a satisfying outdoors lifestyle.
AND, in the meantime, don’t forget to represent your love for the outdoors by wearing your Charming Shark Lifestyle Jewelry.
Written By: Trevor Cairns
