Do you ever feel like you spend far too much time indoors and not enough time enjoying fresh air, natural light, and the simple beauty of the outdoors?
It is easy to fall into routines that keep us glued to screens, desks, and indoor spaces for most of the day. But getting outside more often can have a huge impact on both your physical health and your mental wellbeing.
Do you want to channel your inner Natalie Chase and develop a stronger love for the great outdoors? Then look no further, as this guide contains a number of practical and creative ideas that you can start using right away to spend more time outside.
The good news is that you do not need expensive equipment, travel plans, or major lifestyle changes. Small, intentional habits can make a big difference.
Spending time outdoors does not have to mean going on long hikes or extreme adventures (unless you want it to). It can be as simple as stepping outside your front door with a cup of tea, taking a walk after dinner, or finding small ways to bring outdoor activities into your weekly routine.
So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then simply read on!
4 ways to spend more time outdoors
Plan a picnic
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to spend more time outside is by planning a picnic. It is simple, flexible, and can be adapted to almost any lifestyle or schedule.
A picnic does not have to be complicated or perfectly organised. It can be something as small as taking your work lunch outside instead of eating at your desk. Even five or ten minutes outside during your break can help reset your mind, reduce stress, and give you a break from screens.
If you want something more social, you can plan a bigger picnic with friends or family. Everyone can bring different foods, snacks, and drinks to share, making it a relaxed and enjoyable group activity. It is less about formality and more about spending quality time together outdoors.
You can also tailor your picnic to the weather and season. In the summer, you might enjoy a long afternoon in the sun in a park or open field. In the colder months, a quick hot drink outdoors wrapped in warm layers can still feel refreshing and grounding.
Even in less predictable weather, there is still room for creativity. A sheltered park bench, a garden, or even a quiet outdoor seating area can turn into the perfect picnic spot with the right mindset. As long as you are outside, it counts.
Walk a dog
If you have a dog or know someone who does, walking a dog is one of the most natural ways to spend more time outdoors. Dogs thrive on routine walks, and they are often more than happy to explore for as long as you are willing to go.
Walking a dog is not just beneficial for the animal, but also for you. It gives you a reason to step outside every day, even when you do not feel like it. Fresh air, light exercise, and time away from screens can all improve your mood and energy levels.
It is also a great opportunity to explore your local area. You might discover parks, walking trails, riversides, or hidden green spaces that you would never normally visit. Over time, these walks can become something you genuinely look forward to rather than just a daily task.
If you do not own a dog yourself, you could still get involved by helping a friend or family member with theirs. Even occasional walks can make a difference and encourage you to build a more active outdoor routine.
There are also many dog-friendly walking routes available in most areas, from short scenic paths to longer countryside trails. Exploring these routes can turn a simple walk into a refreshing mini adventure.
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Grow some fruits and vegetables
Another excellent way to spend more time outdoors is by growing your own fruits and vegetables. Gardening is a rewarding activity that naturally encourages you to step outside regularly and engage with nature.
You do not need a large garden to get started. Even a small balcony, windowsill, or a few plant pots can be enough to grow herbs, vegetables, or fruit. Something as simple as basil, mint, or cherry tomatoes can be surprisingly satisfying to care for.
If you do have access to a garden or allotment, you can expand your efforts and grow a wider range of produce. Strawberries, potatoes, carrots, and salad leaves are all great options for beginners. Watching your food grow from seeds into something you can eat is a rewarding experience that also encourages healthier eating habits.
Gardening also creates a routine that naturally gets you outside. You will need to water plants, check their growth, remove weeds, and care for them regularly. These small tasks may only take a few minutes each day, but they all contribute to more time spent outdoors without it feeling forced.
Over time, gardening can become a peaceful and therapeutic activity. It allows you to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a break from busy indoor environments.
Join a sports team
Joining a sports team is another great way to spend more time outdoors while also staying active and social. Many sports are played outside, giving you a regular reason to leave the house and engage with others in a structured activity.
There are many different outdoor sports to choose from depending on your interests and fitness level. For example, golf is a more relaxed and low-impact option that allows you to enjoy scenic outdoor environments at a slower pace. On the other hand, rugby is a more intense and competitive sport that offers high energy and teamwork.
If you prefer something in between, you could explore sports like football, tennis, running clubs, or cycling groups. These activities allow you to stay active while also meeting new people and building friendships.
The key benefit of joining a sports team is consistency. Unlike occasional outdoor activities, training sessions and matches are usually scheduled weekly, which helps you build a regular outdoor routine without needing to plan it yourself.
You can also explore different levels of involvement, whether you want to play competitively or just for fun and fitness. The important part is finding something that motivates you to get outside regularly.
Spending more time outdoors has never been more important, especially with how much of our daily lives now revolve around screens, work, and indoor environments. The good news is that getting outside does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Simple activities like picnics, dog walks, gardening, and joining a sports team can all help you reconnect with the outdoors in a natural and enjoyable way. Over time, these small habits can significantly improve your mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
You do not need a perfect plan or a big lifestyle change to start. Even small steps, like sitting outside for a few minutes each day or taking a different walking route, can make a difference.
The more time you spend outdoors, the more you begin to appreciate it. Fresh air, movement, and nature all have a way of grounding you and improving your perspective on everyday life.
So take the first step, pick one idea from above, and start building your own outdoor routine. You might be surprised at how quickly it becomes one of your favourite parts of the day.
