We’ve all seen the articles circulating social media, telling us how important time spent outdoors is for children and families. That children are spending less time outside than ever before. I love the outdoors and always advocate for family time outside.
I cannot argue with the benefits. But sometimes I just don’t want to. Yep.
I would say… about 50% of the time, I’m really not in the mood. I’m a busy homeschooling, work from home mom. There is always something to do. Even when it’s beautiful outside, sometimes it just seems easier to stay indoors. I’ve encouraged independent play in my children since they were tiny, so they get plenty of backyard play in any kind of weather.
But the kids aren’t the only ones who need that time.
While we’re all talking about the importance of getting kids to spend more time outdoors, let’s be honest. Nearly all of us could use more time outside. We teach our children what is important by our actions. Throwing them outside and telling them that nature is awesome isn’t the same as them seeing us spending time outdoors and making it a priority.
Now, not every outing is easy, or without difficulties. But, I’ve never come home from a hike, a walk around the block, or even inside from our backyard garden wishing I would have just stayed in.
How do we create a habit of getting outside more? What about when we just don’t want to? What about when the couch is super cozy and Netflix is calling?
Like most things that are good for us, adopting an outdoor mindset requires habit changes and mindset shifts. The more you do it, the more confident and comfortable you’ll be with it, and the more likely you’ll be to keep doing it. Spring is a great time of year to create new habits that hopefully keep you going when the weather is less than ideal.
Please remember, it doesn’t always need to be an intense outdoor adventure. Thanks to social media, as we’re bombarded with images of scenic hikes and idyllic camping trips, it’s easy to forget that getting outdoors is as simple as shopping at the farmer’s market, walking around your neighborhood or tending to your garden.
First of all, get prepared. If you’re a parent, then you already know, preparation is everything. Have gear ready for each season, and not just for the kids! You are much more likely to get outside when have what you need and it’s easy to grab and use. Be prepared for whatever the weather and temperatures may bring. And don’t stress if after 15 minutes you’re just ready to get back inside to milder temperatures. Take a few more deep breaths of fresh air and lower those expectations!
Consider having a backpack with sunscreen, bug spray, etc. always ready for you. What do you love to do outside? Make sure toys, sports equipment, pet gear, or gardening tools are easy to locate and grab. Is your car ready? Keep extra clothes and other items in the trunk for spontaneous adventures. Prepare for planned outings as much as you can the night before.
Start with small doses, and consider creating routines. How can you switch it up so you get outside more? Sit out on your patio with a cup of coffee each morning. Watch the sunset with your family right outside the back door each night. Gaze at the moon and track its phases. Don’t discount a simple walk or bike ride down your street. If you work away from home, as soon as you arrive home for the day change out of your work clothes and into something you’ll go outside in. Enjoy meals outside and when eating out, choose the patio. What about your daily work out, can it be moved outside?
Create an environment at home that makes going outside irresistible. Now, your back yard doesn’t need to look like something out of a landscaping magazine. It just needs to be comfortable and easily accessible for you. Make it a place you want to be. Hang a hammock. Place chairs around a fire pit. Plant a pollinator garden to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Hang bird feeders and get a bird guide. Make sure to clean up any areas that may attract mosquitoes and other unwelcome pests. And don’t underestimate the power of tending to a simple garden. Kids and adults can connect beautifully with nature just in their own backyard.
Don’t have a front or back yard? Work with what you and your community has to offer. Even a small balcony can become an oasis. Find your closest local walking trails, outdoor markets, rent a plot at a community garden, check out playgrounds, even walking around the zoo is an option!
Many conservation centers in the Kansas City area hold events like bird watching, native plant gardening, or stream exploration. These are all year long and usually free and perfect for families.
Stop saving all your outdoor chores for the weekend. Gardening, yard work, and home maintenance can be done a little at a time all week long, getting you outside and meaning you don’t have spend an entire weekend day getting it done. Speaking of weekends, if you’re often finding yourself on a Saturday or Sunday wondering what you’re going to do with the day, go ahead and start planning some outings. Picnics. Gardens and Arboretum visits. Bike rides. Plan these outings ahead of time and make them happen.
Move your work outside! I love this trick when I want to enjoy a beautiful day out in the yard with my kids, but also have a few things I just need to get done. I often find the change in scenery and the fresh air makes me more productive. Don’t forget hobbies. My husband loves to practice his fly fishing cast or tie flies in the yard while our children play. I never regret sitting outside with a good book. I’ll even fold our laundry on our picnic table if it just needs to be done!
Stop hating on technology. The outdoors doesn’t always have to be a tech or screen free zone. Hear me out: sometimes technology is an awesome and educational tool outdoors. My kids love using our phones to snap photos on hikes. There are apps that identify birds, plants, etc. Let kids see that responsible technology use can help connect us to the natural world. Or if sharing your outdoor adventures online motivates you or your family, embrace it! .
Here’s the thing: Get outside, whatever that looks like for you. While big adventures in the great outdoors are awesome, as you can see here, there are so many options for adding time spent outside into your day. Pursue your interests, and don’t put a ton of pressure on yourself. You may have found after reading this, you’re outside more than you thought! If not, give yourself break and remember – for many of us, just stepping out the door is often the biggest obstacle.
