Before we start, note that these 8 tips to get outside more is how I make sure I get outside, pretty much daily. I know people have different reasons for not being able to get outdoors, even if they want to. There is no one size fits all when it comes to getting out more but hopefully, sharing how I make it work for me and my kids, might give you some ideas on how you can make it work for you and yours.
1.Be Intentional.
The number one rule. Whether you have all the time in the world or are on a tight schedule you have to make the decision to spend more time outside. It can help if you have a goal, for example daily, 3 days a week or once a week but keep it realistic.
2. Prioritise It.
If you don’t have much free time or you have a bigger goal, like getting outside every day then you will need to prioritise it over other things (my house is messier than I would like). If you don’t, then it ain’t going to happen.
3. Have a Plan.
Always have a plan. During the week, in general, I plan for smaller, shorter adventures. I save the bigger adventures for weekend family fun when there is more time available to travel a little further (government restrictions allowing of course). This also works well if you need the reassurance of going somewhere new with your partner or a friend or don’t drive yourself.
4. Know where to go.
Look for what’s around you locally and visit those places. I have a list of 5 nature places near me that I visit regularly. If you are not sure what’s around you have a gander at my how to easily find great outdoor places near you post.
If all else fails and you’re at a loss of what to do or where to go. Head to the park! I have a list of 4 parks locally (separate to my list of 5 nature places) and rotate our visits.
5. Check the Weather.
Plan for what day is better to go where. I check BBC Weather all the time! This will become more obvious the more regularly you visit your places. Bare in mind woods and forests offer some protection from wind, rain and hot sun. Beaches aren’t much fun on very windy days.
On rainy days, I also check the weather for what time is best to go out to try and avoid being caught in heavy downpours. This doesn’t always work and obviously is only an option if you can afford to be flexible with time.
6. Go Out in the Morning.
In a normal situation when not trying to homeschool due to school closures, I always get us out in the morning. I think most people would agree that the later in the day you leave something, the harder it is to do. Find the time of day that works for you and aim to go out then.
7. Make it a Routine.
Include time outdoors into your routine. It then becomes habit and habits are hard to break. Your kids will also learn its part of their routine and will expect to be going out. I can’t tell you if this will make getting them out the house any easier, I still have a struggle on my hands most days but it’s more the actual getting them to get ready rather than them not wanting to go (mostly).
8. Remind Yourself.
Remind yourself of your why. If you have got to the end of this and read (or are reading) all 8 tips to get outside more, I will take a guess you have a why. Remind yourself you’ll feel loads better for it. It does wonders for your mental health and general wellbeing. There is a lot of research to say its as important as a healthy diet or getting enough sleep. Remind yourself it’s a necessity for kids to spend time outside for all the same reasons as adults, plus some.
I hope you found these tips to get outside more useful, if you did, please do share.
