We live in an amazing world, and that world has sunny days, rainy days, cold days, days on which the temperature rises to an incredible level, and really almost every weather condition you could imagine.
Often we use this weather as an excuse to stay indoors and do nothing or continue to watch a screen. That’s fine once in a while, but it’s not something you can (or should) sustain every day. In fact, it could even be bad for your mental and physical health. This is why it’s good for you to get outside in (almost) all weather. As long as it’s not dangerous to do so, getting fresh air should be a daily occurrence no matter what, and that is especially true if you have a family to take care of. Read on to find out how it can be done.
Have the Right Gear
Probably the best piece of advice we can give you is to always ensure you have the right equipment to ensure you can enjoy your time outside to the utmost. This often relates to clothing, so we’ll start there. When it’s hot, you’ll need a good sunhat and sunglasses to keep yourself protected, as well as thin clothing that covers your arms and legs. When it’s cold, you’ll want thicker clothing, gloves, scarves, a warm hat, and wellington boots. When it’s wet, you might want to add an umbrella to the mix. On top of this, sunscreen is a must even if it’s not hot; the sun’s rays can still cause damage.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to buy an outdoor umbrella for your back garden. They are made specifically for Australian weather conditions, and they mean you can go outside even when the temperatures are high.
Schedule Outdoor Time
It’s easy to make excuses that we’re just too busy; there’s too much on, we’ve got deadlines to meet, and so on. All of this – and plenty more – combine to mean we don’t go outside even when it’s perfectly fine weather. When it’s bad weather, those excuses are even more strident.
Yet that’s all they are; excuses. A little rain isn’t going to hurt you, and as long as you are protected, the sun isn’t either. Just 10 minutes outside each day is all you need to feel more alert and alive.
This is why it’s a great idea to schedule outdoor time every day. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, just after lunch, or in the evening when you’re done with work for the day, it doesn’t matter. As long as it works for you, that’s fine.
Make it Fun
Just going outside for a walk is all very well, and you might be motivated by this, but for some, it’s not enough to persuade them to go outdoors, and for children, the pull of the screen is far greater on many occasions. This is why you should make your outdoor time fun.
Geocaching is an outdoor pursuit that will give a walk plenty of purpose, for example. It’s a treasure hunt that uses GPS, and it’s great for the whole family. Or why not see how many birds you can spot, or how many cars or a certain type you can see, or how many steps you take, or anything else. Challenge yourself when you’re outside and try to beat your ‘score’ each day.