The outdoors are good for us. A simple walk in nature has the power to lower blood pressure, help combat stress, clear our minds, and keep our bodies in shape.

You've scrolled and seen all your insta-friends hiking or sitting on the edge of a cliff somewhere beautiful and thought, what the heck?! Why are they all traveling without me? Why do I have so many candy wrappers around me? Do I have to get off the couch? Who's baby is this?!"

First off, find out who's baby that is, and then cue the intense FOMO.

But it doesn't have to be this way; you can have fun outside too!

Grab your Hydro Flask, strap on your Chacos, and let's go!

But HOW??

Start Small

Look around your city, check local guides, and find a regional or a State Park. Get to know your land. Be a tourist. Bring a picnic, a blanket, some chairs, a book, and just chill—Pat yourself on the back. YOU'RE OUTSIDE!

Take the Next Step

Now that you've been outside at least once, you're ready to level up. Let's do some activity! What do you like to do? There are so many options!

You can:

Find a bike trail and ride

Hike

Forage for forest snacks

Take photos

Camp

Stargaze

Paddleboard, kayak, surf

Rock climb, boulder, scramble

Identify birds, plants and small animals

Find a farmer's market and eat honey straight from the jar.

What? That counts.

Don't Make it Complicated.

It's not. It's just outside. It's like being inside, only better.

I know I said in the opening paragraph to grab your Hydro Flask and Chacos, but you don't need any special gear. Grab whatever comfy shoes you have on, let's go! Forget about trekking poles and backpack hydration packs. Rip-off cargo pants or classy first aid kits? Nah, make sure you're wearing weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a band-aid. You're all set!

If you like the outdoors and require additional things to suit your needs, you can get stuff as you go.

A Cautionary Note

I would be remiss not to mention that nature is special and something to be respected.

But you know that already, but just as a reminder:

Don't litter

Leave wildlife alone

I tell this to my son who likes to find a stick and bash everything with it, "Respect what is alive."

Trees, ants, squirrels, spiders, bees, are best left alone. They're just minding their business. You're in their house.

I also have to remind my son not to throw rocks. There could be an entire ecosystem living under a rock that you never realize you're disrupting. Furthermore, you can hit someone, especially if you throw stones over cliffs. You might not be able to see people hiking or climbing. So leave the rocks alone.

Leave no trace and leave it better than you found it.

Ok, have fun out there, you got this.