{"id":3131,"date":"2023-05-24T18:26:41","date_gmt":"2023-05-24T18:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onenatureinstitute.org\/?p=3131"},"modified":"2023-05-24T18:26:41","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T18:26:41","slug":"outdoor-activities-for-spring-and-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onenatureinstitute.org\/stories\/outdoor-activities-for-spring-and-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Activities for Spring and Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With the weather warming up in the northern hemisphere, it\u2019s time to start doing outdoor activities that can enrich our lives. There are loads of things you can do outside. Spending just 2 hours in nature per week can \u201c<\/span>significantly boost health and well-being<\/span><\/a>.\u201d Being in nature is a great way to connect with your surroundings and ground yourself to help relieve unwanted or painful emotions. An active and healthy lifestyle has proven to increase one\u2019s life expectancy, improve one\u2019s quality of sleep, and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Here are four easy ways to get yourself outside this spring and summer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whether you live in an <\/span>apartment<\/span><\/a> or a house, springtime is a great time to start <\/span>setting up an indoor or outdoor garden<\/span><\/a>. Gardening not only provides us with fresh food, flowers, and herbs, but it also poses a way to fulfill emotional needs while creating a spiritual connection. A garden can be a peaceful haven or a quiet getaway from the stresses of everyday life. It can also instill a sense of achievement while allowing one to get more in touch with nature. Growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs can be a great way to be more aware of what you\u2019re putting into your body. Homegrown food is an easy way to be sure that what you\u2019re eating is safe and fresh, without any of the harsh chemicals sometimes found in store-bought produce.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hiking is an excellent way to get outside, get your body moving, and take in the great outdoors! Chances are, there are tons of <\/span>trails near you<\/span><\/a> just waiting to be explored! Grab a friend, family member, furry friend, or simply explore your state\u2019s wonderful nature by yourself! The physical benefits of hiking are plentiful. Hiking, which is a full-body workout, strengthens muscles and bones, improves balance, improves heart health, and improves the respiratory system. Take a hike at one of your local hiking trails, or plan a trip and venture to one of our nation\u2019s 400+ <\/span>National Parks<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Warm weather makes water activities that much more tempting. But when the nearest beach is hours away, what does one do to quench the thirst for a refreshing dip? Swimming or wading in a sanctioned freshwater stream is perfectly safe and lots of fun. If you live in North America, check out this <\/span>interactive map<\/span><\/a> to determine your nearest swimming hole. There are loads of activities you can do in freshwater swimming holes; you can go kayaking, fishing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and much more! The possibilities are endless. Just make sure you check in with your local environmental services branch to see what activities you can and can\u2019t do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nTry your hand at gardening!\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
Go on a hike!<\/b><\/h4>\n
Take a trip to a nearby body of water!\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
Be a tourist in your town!\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n