There are plenty of great New Year’s resolutions that you could make, but perhaps the one that will have the biggest impact on your life would be spending more time in the outdoors. This is an underrated resolution, yet one that’ll make a big difference! There are plenty of advantages to being in nature, including feeling physically fitter and feeling better, too — did you know that just fifteen minutes spent in nature can relieve stress and depression, and things get even better the more time you spend there? Below, we take a look at a few ways you can spend more time in the outdoors this year.

What’s Local?

If you’re one of the many people that live in cities, then you might be wondering where exactly you’re supposed to get your fill of the outdoors. But here’s the thing: though it’ll require a little bit more attention than if you lived in a more rural area, it’s important to remember that you’ve probably got a lot of nature all around you. Do a quick Google search, and see what’s nearby. You’ll likely have a beautiful state park within easy driving distance!

Finding the Time

Of course, it’s one thing knowing that there’s nature nearby, another thing finding the time in your schedule to get there. If you want to spend more time in the outdoors, then you need to make it a priority. Life just fills up with activities and events, so if you’re waiting for a free Saturday morning before deciding, then you’ll never get there. Instead, build it into your schedule. As we said, you don’t need much time in nature to reap the benefits — but you do have to get there, and Saturday or Sunday mornings could be a perfect time. 

Get a Hobby

One thing that puts people off about the outdoors is that they’re not entirely sure what they should do when they’re there. You want to spend time in nature, but you don’t want to just stand there! So be sure to make it fun, such as by picking up a hobby. You could get equipment from Tailored Tackle, and take up fishing, or you could buy a bike and explore the outdoors that way. You’ll be spending time outdoors, and having fun too — perfect!

A Group of Friends

The best way to make the outdoors a long-term part of your life is to find a group of friends that like doing outdoorsy stuff. It can be way more fun than going by yourself, too! Ask around your friend group, and see who’s interested. If nobody is, then look around for local groups. There’ll likely be one that organizes trips to the outdoors.

Longer Trips 

Finally, what about your vacation? You could explore a city…or you can take a long, multi-day trip to some of the most beautiful places in the US and around the world. You’ll have a great time, and return home fully refreshed and with plenty of nature in your tank.