13 Simple Ways to Get Outside Every Day, And Why It Matters
Inside: Discover simple ways to get outside every day and learn how it can positively impact your life.
A guest post by Cora Gold
In the hustle of modern life, it’s easy to spend most of our time indoors, surrounded by screens, to-do lists, and the never-ending pressure to stay productive.
But sometimes, the simplest way to reset your mindset, boost your mood, and reconnect with what matters is to just step outside.
Spending time outdoors supports your ability to slow down, focus, and reset your mood with minimal effort.
Nature has a quiet way of grounding us. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of wind in the trees, or the feeling of bare feet in the grass, being outdoors offers a kind of peace that’s hard to replicate inside.
You don’t need to go on a grand adventure or live near the mountains to experience these benefits. Just a few minutes each day can make a real difference.
These tips for getting outside every day help support mental clarity and can make you feel more grounded and calm.
13 Simple Ways to Get Outside Every Day
Consider these simple ways to get outside every day to benefit your mental and physical health. These are good habits to have in your life.
1. Take a Morning Walk
A short walk each morning grounds you before distractions set in. Spending time in nature enhances mood and executive attention.
Instead of thinking about distance, focus on your steps, breath, or what you see. Over time, this walk can become a reliable anchor that sets your tone for the day.
2. Eat Outside
Consider taking your meal outside as a way to engage your senses. You can hear the birds, feel the sun’s warmth, and observe textures in a fresh light.
This type of environment helps you shift from multitasking to being present. Even a quick five-minute snack on the porch can be an excellent start for spending more time outside.
3. Practice Outdoor Breathing
The levels of air pollutants indoors can be two to five times greater than those found outdoors. Therefore, spending more time in natural, green areas may reduce your chances of experiencing respiratory issues.
Whether you relax on the porch or stand beside a tree, take a few moments to notice your breath. The key is to let your body react to the surroundings rather than focusing solely on your thoughts.
4. Go on a Micro-Adventure
Walking down a new street or sitting on a bench in a park you’ve never visited can spark interest in your surroundings.
Think of this experience as an opportunity to shift your perspective without planning. It’s about finding those little spots you may have never noticed.
Whether you spend time sipping coffee outside a new coffee shop or reading a book in a new-to-you park, these micro-adventures brighten your day and can be a great way to promote your relationship with nature.
5. Take a Tech-Free Break
“Digital detoxes” are a popular way to alleviate anxiety and technology’s impact on happiness and productivity. Stepping away from technology and employing strategies to reduce engagement can begin with small tech-free breaks.
What about taking a five-minute stroll without devices? Give your mind a break and create healthy boundaries with technology.
Over time, this can transform into a habit, rather than just an escape.
6. Show Your Garden Some Love
Nurturing even a single plant while gardening can help you spend some minutes of the day outside. Observing gradual changes as time passes strengthens your sense of being present.
Savor the fragrance of the flowers and plants around you, and connect with your inner child by engaging your senses — sensory play helps develop children’s imagination and cognition.
You may find that taking in the smells of the outdoors kickstarts your creativity.
7. Invite a Friend to Lunch in the Park
It’s Saturday, the sun is shining, and you’re at home. What about reaching out to a friend or group of friends and having lunch in the park?
All you need is a blanket, good food, and even better company. Pack some easy meals to savor while basking in the sun.
If you find that you enjoy dining in nature and have a park close by, you can practice this during your work breaks on weekdays.
8. Support Farmers Markets
Visiting a farmers market is an excellent way to engage with your community and the food you eat. The outdoor atmosphere encourages you to take your time and make thoughtful decisions.
In contrast to a grocery store, this environment fosters eye contact and conversation. Plus, you support local farmers while savoring fresh fruits and vegetables.
It may become a cherished part of your seasonal routine.
9. Bike to Your Errands
Riding a bike to nearby errands lets you move your body while accomplishing tasks. You engage with your environment more directly — feeling the wind, adjusting your pace, and noticing street details.
Each trip can reset your mood. With consistency, it becomes the simplest form of outdoor play.
10. Get off the Bus a Few Stops Early
Stepping off your commute earlier adds intentional time outdoors without altering your schedule. Just five to 15 minutes of sun exposure each day can provide you with all the Vitamin D you need.
Before arriving at your destination, you reconnect with your breath and pace. This moment helps you process thoughts and recalibrate your energy.
Over time, it becomes a calming buffer to your workday that makes you feel less reactive.
11. Stretch in Nature
Stretching outdoors helps regulate breath and tension more easily than indoor routines. You may feel a deeper connection between movement and sensation.
Light and fresh air energize your limbs while calming your thoughts. Even just three stretches in nature can change your posture and your mindset.
12. Redecorate Your Porch
Simply shifting furniture or adding minimal decor can make an outdoor space more inviting. Consider what simple items you could add to make your space more comfortable and add some interest to your porch.
The more comfortable your setup, the more likely you’ll return. Consistency — rather than a large space — is key to turning porch time into a daily habit.
13. Read or Journal Outside Your Home
The combination of light, wind, and natural sounds while reading can create an excellent opportunity to practice mindfulness.
Journaling outdoors can enhance self-reflection, providing the dual advantage of connecting with nature and engaging in personal growth.
You might observe new patterns in your emotions or thoughts. These practices become more profound with consistent repetition.
Get Your Daily Dose of Nature and Get Outside Every Day
Spending time outside doesn’t require a lifestyle overhaul — it takes intention. Small habits like walking, stretching, or eating outdoors can shift your mindset and support your well-being.
These moments create space to reflect, breathe, and move. Over time, they anchor your day with calm and clarity.
Whether you garden on your balcony or journal under a tree, nature meets you where you are.
Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of Revivalist magazine. She loves writing about family and living life to the fullest. Follow Cora on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
What are your favorite ways to get outside every day? Leave a comment and let me know!
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I’m at a writing retreat for two weeks in the mountains near a river where there’s a big sky and a civil war era home with two huge porches. Today I stretched out on a chaise on the upstairs porch, computer in lap, 20 ounces of decaf coffee within reach, cello sonata playing in my earbuds. The sky was eggshell blue, the breeze soft, the birdsong accompanied the cello, a candle burned citrus fragrance. Nature lulled me to sleep. Two hours of oblivion. Oh that I could bring this back to the city.
I wish I lived in an area that didn’t have 100% humidity & mosquitoes that could carry you away. This keeps me indoors most days. Time outside is nice when we travel.
I sit on my porch with a cup of coffee and watch the birds, or I just walk around the back yard and spend time with plants and trees.
Beautiful thoughts… as we speak, I’m indoors as my computer work in progress but Celtic music playing through you tube. I too like Libby live in an area of 100% humidity so it’s either early early morning or close to dark before you can bare to be outside and then, like she said, you have to deal with the mosquitos. Generally, at work I’ve got my music playing, it keeps me calm and focused. When weather is good, I try very hard to get outside daily but certain times of the year it’s just impossible. I’m not so good about getting outside in the mornings because I have to wake up by 6:00 anyway to get around for work, so difficult to MAKE myself get up any earlier than that. But I try to of an evening… Either sit on my porch, go for a walk, or water and check on my garden. Even just 15-20 mins outside relieves stress and helps to ground me. It seems to be very important for good emotional and mental health!