How to Enjoy the Outdoors as an Indoor Person
Posted: May 07, 2021 | Author: Kierstin Pitcher-Holloway | Read Time: 3 minutes
For people who enjoy spending a large majority of their time inside, being outdoors can feel like being a fish out of water. Even knowing the benefits of getting outside doesn’t seem to make it less of a chore. If this sounds familiar, or if you wish you could enjoy the outdoors more, try out these tips for getting outdoors.
How to Start Spending More Time Outside
Pace Yourself
Don’t try a weeklong backpacking trip as your debut outdoors event. Maybe just start with a little glamping, or try camping for the weekend. Don’t worry about your lack of experience or abilities and congratulate yourself on taking baby steps.
Ask for Help
Find a friend who is willing to show you the ropes. This can also come in the form of research. There are numerous blog posts, YouTube videos, and apps to help with everything from finding the perfect camping spot to learning how to start a fire. It’s also important to educate yourself on outdoor safety and Leave No Trace principles.
Don’t Forget Your Backyard
You don’t have to plan a weekend away to spend time in the outdoors. More often than not, getting outside can be as simple as opening your back door, or visiting a nearby park. Gardening, walking your dog, going for a picnic, reading under a tree, and stargazing are just a few of the simple ideas that are available just outside your door.
Use the Right Amenities/Gear
Having the right gear and outdoor essentials can make all the difference when it comes to your ability to enjoy the outdoors. SUU Outdoors is a great resource for renting equipment and they are more than willing to help you find the right equipment. SUU Outdoors also has a trips and adventures program where current students can go hiking, mountain biking, canyoneering, climbing, rafting, paddleboard, xc ski, and snowshoeing throughout the southern Utah region.
Protect Yourself from the Elements
More than just having the right equipment, it is important to know how to use equipment and gear to protect yourself from the elements. Perhaps one of the biggest deterrents for spending time outdoors is that compared to the perfectly conditioned and clean environments found indoors the outdoors can be uncomfortable. However, knowing how to protect yourself from things like extreme temperatures, bugs, and UV rays can make your stay in the outdoors infinitely more comfortable.
Bring Entertainment
Not all your time outdoors has to be spent adventuring or playing sports. Bringing indoor entertainment outdoors is a great way to relax and get some fresh air at the same time. Reading is twice as relaxing in a hammock. Next time you go camping try taking it easy at the campground by playing cards or board games around a picnic table.
Be Willing to Try
Not all outdoor activities are for everyone, be willing to try new things to find what you enjoy. Perhaps you have hated fishing trips ever since you were forced to go on one as a child, this doesn’t mean you will dislike all outdoor water activities. Who knows? You could have an undiscovered love of kayaking.
Hopefully, these tips will help you prevent past experiences from determining your future experiences in the outdoors and inspire you to spend some time in the outdoors. Whether it’s time in your backyard or one of Southern Utah’s national parks, or a trip with SUU Outdoors, there’s an adventure for everyone.
Tags: Outdoors Student Life
