MNN - Mother Nature Network

As a Master Naturalist, I am always encouraging people to get outside and interact with the world around them. Part of my daily routine includes walking the dogs with my husband and enjoying the outdoors. You can also garden, ride a bicycle, run or just get out and enjoy what the world has to offer you.

 

Outdoor exercise helps improve your mood and will make you feel better. You get an extra boost from green spaces and more benefit if there is water to see, too. The American Chemical Society's Environmental Science & Technology journal reported that as little as five minutes of "green" exercise in the presence of nature benefits everyone.

 

Things you can do include:

•  Take a walk — if you have dogs, take them with you.

•  Ride a bike in the park.

•  Start a small garden in your yard, get out and dig in the dirt.

•  Do some stretching outside to help with balance and strength.

•  Get outside during your lunch break and walk around.

•  Play outside with your children or pets. Do you have an older neighbor that has a dog? Encourage them to walk with you.

•  Find an exercise buddy to keep both of you moving forward. This also makes you accountable to getting the exercise accomplished.

•  If you are only able to exercise indoors, add some plants to your exercise space or position yourself to look out a window into the natural world.

 

Check out these sources to find local places to get outside and feel great:

 

Do you have additional ideas to share? Please do so in the comments section below.