Small Ways to Get Outside

Vitamin D deficiency is a real thing. And a lot of people have it. On average, Americans spend 90% of their day indoors, and 1 in 4 of us spend our entire days without seeing a smidge of sunlight.

Now that we've been dubbed the "Indoor Generation," it's time to start making getting outside a priority again.

Spending time outdoors doesn't have to be a huge commitment. It's not just for the professional mountain climbers or avid fishermen. There are lots of little ways that we can squeeze in extra time outside.

Time: We're all busy. But that doesn't mean we should sacrifice our time outside. Make a personal goal. Whether it's 15 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour each day, pick something that you know you can do, and stick to it. Personally, I've been challenging myself to do something outside for at least 30 minutes each day.

Money: Yes, it can be expensive. Unfortunately, a lot of activities aren't free. And buying a bunch of new gear can feel like you're spending your whole paycheck in one outing. But there are also a lot of things that are free (like going for a walk) that don't require a bunch of specialized gear (like going for a walk).

Speaking of going for a walk, here are a few ideas on how to fit time outside into your busy schedule.

Take a longer walk with your dog than you usually do

Up until recently, I was guilty of taking my dog on a walk just long enough for her to do her business, and then we went right back inside. Going for a longer walk is healthier for your dog, and it's great exercise for you too. My uncle takes his dog for a three mile walk every single morning before work. While I'm not quite that ambitious, we have started taking the scenic route around the neighborhood.

Plant a garden

Although it's one of the more time consuming activities on this list, planting your own garden can be so worth it. The benefit of fresh fruits and veggies paired with quality time outdoors makes this a great habit to get into.

Have a picnic

A super easy way to get outside is to pack yourself a picnic. It doesn't matter if you're doing it with someone else or flying solo. You can use the produce from your new garden, or hit the farmers' market if you want to score a little extra time in the fresh air. This is a simple one that can be fast and cheap if you do it right.

Stop driving or using public transportation

Start swapping out your commute to work or trek to your favorite restaurant with a bike ride or walk. Although it will probably take a bit longer, it's worth it to be out in the fresh air. Now, of course, there are some places that are way too far to walk to, but doing this whenever you can is a great way to get a little exercise in too.

Take up photography

Grab your camera (or smartphone) and head outside. Challenge yourself to find something new to get a picture of. Whether it's a quick walk around your neighborhood, snapping pictures of flowers, or a more adventurous hike, getting pictures of wild animals, any time outside is a win.

Work or study outdoors

It can be as simple as grabbing your laptop and heading out to the patio for a little while. Check a few things off your to-do list while sitting in the sunshine. You'll boost your productivity and your vitamin D levels at the same time!

Hopefully these ideas have given you the motivation you needed to schedule a little more outdoor time into your schedule. And we're always up for new ideas, so let us know what you're doing to spend more time outside!

Get Outside in KNW Gear

Perfect for any adventure (big or small), and every purchase helps fund & host wilderness cleanups. Check out some of our favorites in stock right now, and join us at a cleanup!