Wondering how to be outdoorsy? You've come to the right place! After all, there's no denying the amazing benefits of spending time in nature. For starters, it can help you to reduce stress and muscle tension while improving your mental health. It could also potentially reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
The best part? You don't have to stop being a homebody to be outdoorsy. You can have the best of both worlds, and we're here to show you how.
Keep reading for eight great ideas anyone can use to become more outdoorsy.
1) Run some errands on foot or bike
Some people live in remote areas where running errands without a car is virtually impossible. But if you live in a suburban or urban area fairly close to amenities, then consider running your errands on foot or bike. Not only will you get some much-needed cardio in but you'll also get your fill of Vitamin D when the sun's out. So rather than driving your car three minutes down the street, take a brisk 10- to 15-minute walk instead or opt for a bike ride. Who knows? You might even arrive sooner!
2) Take advantage of the gig economy
In today's society, the gig economy is booming and growing more popular. With services like Rover for dog walkers, TaskRabbit for landscaping, or even Thumbtack for painters, you can find unique jobs that'll take you outdoors. The extra perk? You'll get paid for it! Sounds like a win-win if we've ever heard one!
3) Go for a hike using AllTrails
This is going to be the homebody's biggest challenge but it may also be the most rewarding. Hiking gives you unprecedented access to nature and is a great way to clear your head while getting some exercise. Granted, it's easier said than done, especially when the weather outside sucks. But homebodies should strongly consider taking the plunge; sitting around all the time will only leave you feeling lethargic and unmotivated. If you don't know where to start, check out AllTrails whose comprehensive database of hiking paths is sorted by difficulty, location, and length. Pick one that looks interesting, but start small. Then, as you get more comfortable, try something a bit longer or more challenging.
4) Go camping with friends
Where was your last vacation? Chances are, you didn't sleep in a tent (unless we're sadly mistaken, in which case, awesome!). Of course, there's nothing wrong with lounging on a beautiful beach or exploring the streets of a new city. But sometimes, it's good to spend most of the day outdoors and under the stars. Going camping with friends is ideal for homebodies who want to learn how to be outdoorsy. There's a host of camping spots both near and far for you to choose from, so no excuses. Throw on a pair of hiking boots, pack up the tent, and check out our camping list so you don't leave the essentials behind!
5) Try gardening
Do you want to enjoy nature without ever leaving your backyard? Then gardening might be the perfect choice for you. It can be as simple or complex as you want, and it's quite easy to get started. Just grab a few basic tools and figure out how much space you want to allocate for your garden. Then, buy some seeds and get planting. If you live in an apartment community, maybe you have a community garden nearby that you can join. Or if space is strictly limited, then try some container gardening on your balcony. Not only will you get to spend time outdoors, but you'll also have something to show for it: homegrown produce!
6) Take a class outdoors
Itching to learn something new while getting your fill of the outdoors? Then taking a class set in nature might be just what you need. Many cities offer classes like yoga outdoors, artistic classes that involve painting nature, and even birdwatching. Not only will you learn some cool new skills but you'll also be amazed at how quickly you'll become more outdoorsy once you've started!
7) Take a quick outdoor trip once a week
For homebodies feeling anxious about going outdoors, something as simple as taking a quick trip to your local park can help. You don't have to go every day, but try going at least once or twice a week. Parks aren't the only options, by the way. Lakes, rivers, and forests are all great places to spend time outdoors. You can even take a stroll through a shopping district or download a map for a self-guided walking tour. These tours often entail ambling through historic sites, monuments, and street art. So why not give it a try?
8) Walk the walk
We don't mean this literally, although walking is certainly one way to get outdoors. We mean making a conscious effort to do something different every day, whether it's taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk around your neighborhood during lunch, or sitting outside with your coffee and laptop. Even small changes can help you become more comfortable with being outdoors. An outdoorsy person might also "join the cause" by supporting local groups or initiatives that protect nature. At a minimum, you can strive to make nature a better place for everyone by simply becoming more aware of your daily habits. This includes picking up litter, avoiding single-use plastics when possible, and respecting wildlife and other habitats along the way.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an outdoorsy type doesn't require you to become a different person! You can still be you, whether you're a homebody or not. It just takes some effort and determination to get out there, learn new skills, explore the outdoors, and ultimately become more comfortable in your skin. With these eight tips, you'll start living a healthier, more outdoor-oriented lifestyle in no time. So get out there and get outdoorsy today!
Need some gear to help you get started? Browse our online shop for all the essentials and check out the rest of our blog for more travel tips!
Happy outdoorsy-ing!
