Research shows that nature is a fountain of healing for our physical, mental and spiritual health. Contact with the natural world is proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and physical ailments. People who spend a regular amount of time in the outdoors have been found to be happier in general. Nature therapy has become more popular in improving one’s health.

For some people, getting outside and enjoying the outdoors may be new to them, or it may seem difficult. Maybe they have never really been exposed to it. Oftentimes certain elements—such as the weather, bugs, or other inconveniences— may keep them from stepping out into the unknown. If this is you, maybe you don’t know where to begin. Maybe you even feel like you hate being outside.

Stop and take a serious look at why that is. Question yourself. We are wired to be outside. Challenge yourself to try and overcome your thinking. Give it a try. I believe we all can find one activity outside that we can love. Maybe it is time to experiment. If you try one activity and you don’t like it, try something else.

Pack up a cold drink, book, and hammock and go visit a park. Hang your hammock and relax. Hammocking has become a popular pastime in recent years. You will find people hanging hammocks in most state parks or up on the North Shore these days. You can purchase a hammock on Amazon for less than $30.

If you are feeling more adventurous, grab your kids, friend or dog and visit the nearest state park or a local hiking trail. I never used to like to hike, until I tried it. We have so many great trails here in northern Minnesota—many of them with waterfalls. Once you try it, you may learn to love it! When you are out on the trail, take a good look around. Don’t miss what is around you. When you take the time to notice the little things, such as the wildflowers, your hike becomes more than just getting exercise. You begin to notice the beauty. If you are out of shape, go slow and take breaks. It is not a competition.

Go on a bike ride. Let’s be honest here. Many of us have had bikes sitting in our garages for years untouched. During this current pandemic, there has been a bike shortage at the stores. People are learning to appreciate the simple things again. Dust off that bike, borrow a bike, and get outside! If you don’t have a bike, look for a shop that rents them. Ely Bike and Kicksled rents mountain or fat bikes by the hour or day. The Trezona Trail right nearby is a great place to go for a ride.

Get up early and go for a drive. Find a place to watch the sunrise. Or go for a drive in the evening and take pictures of the sunset. Grab a pail and go pick some wild berries. The raspberries are ready! Pick a bouquet of wildflowers.

Perhaps you are already experienced when it comes to the outdoors. But are you sure you take it for granted? I know I sometimes do. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and sometimes I forget to stop and smell the flowers. I miss the special moments. I challenge you to step outside of what is the norm for you.

Most nights I am exhausted by 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. and fall asleep after watching TV. Last night at the cabin I took the time to sleepily stumble down the path to the point at midnight. In the dark I could not see, but I could hear the water lapping against the shore. I stood for awhile and took in the Milky Way and the brilliant stars above. Those are the moments I often miss, but also remember the most.

Maybe you spend a lot of time outside but are bored with it. It may be time to try something new! That is where borrowing equipment or renting equipment comes in handy. It is always good to try something new out before making an investment. I am referring to items such as fat bikes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards. If you find yourself retreating to the outdoors less often, it may be time to think about why that is. Find something that you are going to be passionate about.

The outdoors is a great tool for selfcare. We live in a day and age where life is fast-paced and we go non-stop. We are surrounded by technology that is handy, but can be draining. We spend too much time in front of our computers and on our phones. It is imperative that we walk away from these things to give ourselves a chance to quiet our minds. 

Make a list of some things that you might would be interested in doing or trying, or perhaps places to visit. Set a goal to do at least one new thing during our last month of summer. Think now about some activities you can do in the fall. Fall’s colors and cool weather may be a good time to try out a hike. Begin to research now!

No matter your age, where you live, or what kind of shape you are in, you can find something to do outside. Be creative! Start small. Just get outside! You will not regret it! 

Research shows that nature is a fountain of healing for our physical, mental and spiritual health. Contact with the natural world is proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and physical ailments. People who spend a regular amount of time in the outdoors have been found to be happier in general. Nature therapy has become more popular in improving one’s health.

For some people, getting outside and enjoying the outdoors may be new to them, or it may seem difficult. Maybe they have never really been exposed to it. Oftentimes certain elements—such as the weather, bugs, or other inconveniences— may keep them from stepping out into the unknown. If this is you, maybe you don’t know where to begin. Maybe you even feel like you hate being outside.

Stop and take a serious look at why that is. Question yourself. We are wired to be outside. Challenge yourself to try and overcome your thinking. Give it a try. I believe we all can find one activity outside that we can love. Maybe it is time to experiment. If you try one activity and you don’t like it, try something else.

So where do you start? Start small! Take a trip to your local park and take a walk. Getting outside doesn’t have to be complicated. Throw a chair or a blanket in your car and take a drive. Bring along some lemonade. Stop at a local beach and sit in your chair and enjoy the view. Listen to the waves as they crash against the shore. Take a book along to read. Walk barefoot in the water.

Pack up a cold drink, book, and hammock and go visit a park. Hang your hammock and relax. Hammocking has become a popular pastime in recent years. You will find people hanging hammocks in most state parks or up on the North Shore these days. You can purchase a hammock on Amazon for less than $30.

If you are feeling more adventurous, grab your kids, friend or dog and visit the nearest state park or a local hiking trail. I never used to like to hike, until I tried it. We have so many great trails here in northern Minnesota—many of them with waterfalls. Once you try it, you may learn to love it! When you are out on the trail, take a good look around. Don’t miss what is around you. When you take the time to notice the little things, such as the wildflowers, your hike becomes more than just getting exercise. You begin to notice the beauty. If you are out of shape, go slow and take breaks. It is not a competition.

Go on a bike ride. Let’s be honest here. Many of us have had bikes sitting in our garages for years untouched. During this current pandemic, there has been a bike shortage at the stores. People are learning to appreciate the simple things again. Dust off that bike, borrow a bike, and get outside! If you don’t have a bike, look for a shop that rents them. Ely Bike and Kicksled rents mountain or fat bikes by the hour or day. The Trezona Trail right nearby is a great place to go for a ride.

Get up early and go for a drive. Find a place to watch the sunrise. Or go for a drive in the evening and take pictures of the sunset. Grab a pail and go pick some wild berries. The raspberries are ready! Pick a bouquet of wildflowers.

Perhaps you are already experienced when it comes to the outdoors. But are you sure you take it for granted? I know I sometimes do. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and sometimes I forget to stop and smell the flowers. I miss the special moments. I challenge you to step outside of what is the norm for you.

Most nights I am exhausted by 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. and fall asleep after watching TV. Last night at the cabin I took the time to sleepily stumble down the path to the point at midnight. In the dark I could not see, but I could hear the water lapping against the shore. I stood for awhile and took in the Milky Way and the brilliant stars above. Those are the moments I often miss, but also remember the most.

Maybe you spend a lot of time outside but are bored with it. It may be time to try something new! That is where borrowing equipment or renting equipment comes in handy. It is always good to try something new out before making an investment. I am referring to items such as fat bikes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards. If you find yourself retreating to the outdoors less often, it may be time to think about why that is. Find something that you are going to be passionate about.

The outdoors is a great tool for selfcare. We live in a day and age where life is fast-paced and we go non-stop. We are surrounded by technology that is handy, but can be draining. We spend too much time in front of our computers and on our phones. It is imperative that we walk away from these things to give ourselves a chance to quiet our minds. 

Make a list of some things that you might would be interested in doing or trying, or perhaps places to visit. Set a goal to do at least one new thing during our last month of summer. Think now about some activities you can do in the fall. Fall’s colors and cool weather may be a good time to try out a hike. Begin to research now!

No matter your age, where you live, or what kind of shape you are in, you can find something to do outside. Be creative! Start small. Just get outside! You will not regret it! 

Jody Rae is a social worker who lives in both Britt and Ely, MN. She spends most of her time on the water or in the woods, where she is always planning her next adventures, both near and far.

To read the original column and see more outdoors reporting, follow this link to the Hometown Focus website.  https://www.hometownfocus.us/articles/get-outside/