When was the last time you were outside? 

We don’t mean walking from your house to the car. We mean really being out in nature—enjoying the sights, sounds and scents, feeling the natural rhythms and the breeze on your skin.

Hopefully, you have been outside this way recently. However, those of us who prefer the indoors, have limited mobility or live where the weather is more extreme, may find it tough to get outside.

Although it may feel like a hurdle, the benefits of spending time outdoors may sway you.

Besides lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormone levels and improving mood and focus, outdoor time provides a change of scenery that can spark creativity. 

A little sunshine can increase serotonin and vitamin D, help you sleep better and reduce everyday aches and pains. 

Time in nature might even reduce your recovery time after an injury or surgery. 

Convinced? If you’re ready to venture out more but aren’t sure where to start, read on for four simple reasons to get outside today.

1. Gardening & lawn maintenance

Planting and tending a garden forges a connection to nature and brings it close.

One study found that gardeners over 50 experience benefits like increased overall health, happiness, flexibility and cognitive ability. 

2. Take a walking break

Feeling uninspired, sleepy or frustrated? 

Taking a quick walk outside, even if you just go around the block or run an errand, can do wonders to renew and refresh you.

If you live in a rural area, a quiet walk down a country lane is the ideal balm on a noisy or hectic day. Try walking at dawn or dusk to help you start or end your day in a more relaxed state.

Urbanites can also find some solace outside. As you walk, make it a point to take in every bit of nature you encounter, from lush shade trees to flowering bushes to birdsong.

If you’re able, take a car, bus or bicycle to a nearby park. Parks of all types and sizes can be lovely places to take in the natural world with others in your community. 

3. Visit a conservatory, greenhouse or botanical garden

Certainly, there are seasons when the outdoors is less hospitable. You might live where extreme heat or humidity, ice, snow or wind make being outside unpleasant or unsafe.