Spending time outside isn’t just about getting fresh air or getting the right number of steps in – being outdoors can genuinely change how you feel, think, and go through your day, and the best part about it all is that you don’t need intense workouts or complicated routines (unless you want them, in which case, go for it) because simple, ordinary activities outside can work wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about outside activities that help with wellness. 

Walking Without A Goal

Walking is one of the simplest outdoor activities you can do, and it’s really underrated. The fact is, when it comes to walking, you don’t need any specialist gear, there’s no membership required, and you don’t even need a plan – a short walk around the block, through a park, or along a quiet street can totally clear your head and get your body moving, ticking a lot of boxes for your wellness as you go. 

And you can vary it however you want as well. Some days it might be a brisk walk for exercise,

Other days it might be a slow stroll with music or a podcast.

It all counts, whatever you do, because the benefit comes from moving and being outside rather than trying to hit a target or outdo your personal best all the time. 

Gardening For Mind And Body 

Gardening is another thing that’s surprisingly good for wellness.

There’s digging, planting, pruning, watering, and general maintenance happening all the time, and it’s all making you move without you even realising that you’re doing any exercise – although you definitely are.

Plus, it’s very mindful and calming to tend to plants and watch them grow, and we can all do with a bit more mindfulness in our lives. 

Even small gardens and balconies can give you a chance to enjoy gardening and get the benefits out of it. Have some pots of herbs, for example, or some planters, or perhaps even a few vegetables, and that’s enough to give you a reason to get outside regularly. And tasks like trimming edges or using a weed wacker can also feel very satisfying because you’ll see instant results, keeping you motivated. 

Outdoor Stretching Or Yoga

You don’t need a full yoga studio to stretch outside – all you really need is a mat or towel on the grass or patio, and that’s basically enough. And why do it at all? It’s because being outside can make gentle movement feel much more relaxing, especially with fresh air and natural light (which are two of the most important things to make sure you get enough of every day). 

When it comes to the benefits, stretching outdoors can help with stiffness, stress, and focus, and it also makes movement and exercise feel a lot less formal and more like a natural part of the day once you get going with it. 

Cycling For Low-Impact Exercise 

Cycling is a great option if you want something low-impact but still active because it’s easier on the joints than something like running or jogging, and it can also be adjusted to your fitness level. What you might think of as a casual ride around your area can actually boost your mood, energy, and fitness without even leaving you feeling exhausted. 

You can use a regular bike that doesn’t cost a fortune, and with your important safety gear, including a helmet, and an understanding of the rules of the road (unless you choose to ride on cycle baths out in the countryside), you can take all kinds of regular rides and make a real difference to your wellbeing over time. 

Spending Time In Nature 

Something that can often be forgotten about is that just being out in nature itself is restorative, and something like sitting in a park, walking through a forest, or spending some time near water can help to reduce stress and improve focus. You don’t even have to do anything particularly special, and you definitely don’t have to have a plan – just being present outdoors can change how you feel for the better. 

If you live in a city, even a small green space like a square or a tree-lined street can help, although if you are able to get into the countryside now and then, that’s even better. 

Playing With Pets Or Kids Outside 

Guess what? Playing outside isn’t just for children – in fact, running around with a dog, kicking a ball, or playing some simple games is going to get you moving, and even laughing, and it’s never going to feel like exercise. 

And to make things even better, these are the exact moments that tend to strengthen relationships and create memories, and that’s another important part of overall wellbeing that shouldn’t be ignored. 

Outdoor Hobbies And Creative Time 

Being outside doesn’t even have to mean physical activity – drawing, reading, journaling, photography, and a whole lot more can all be done outside, and when you add natural light and fresh air to the mix, it’s going to make creative activities feel easier and more enjoyable as well. 

Just adding a small table and a chair outside can turn a garden, balcony, or whatever space you happen to have into a wonderfully creative space you’ll want to go back to time and time again. 

Mindful Sitting Or Breathing

Sometimes wellness is really about slowing down when you can, and sitting outside with a cup of tea, focusing on your breathing, or really listening to the natural sounds around you can definitely help calm your mind. 

You can download a meditation app or two if you want to, but it’s not totally necessary when you’re outside because nature itself is the ideal guided meditation. And something else to bear in mind is that you don’t have to do it for hours at a time – just a few minutes can be all you need to reset yourself and feel one hundred percent better.