Time Spent Outside

Outdoor activities are so much fun and can bring forth a lot of new memories. There is something just so nice about being outside. Nature tunes the mind and curates a happy and healthy environment. Camping is amongst my most favorite outdoor activities due to the versatility and the amount of activities available. Being outside just brings a new perspective to the soul. These are some of my favorite reasons to get outside.

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"Time spent amongst the trees is never time wasted."
-Katrina Mayer

1.Be Happier
Happiness is something that everyone would like to achieve. Not many people know that getting a job that makes a lot of money isn't exactly going to make you happy. Spending time in nature just listening and watching helps build happiness. I have noticed that when I go outside, I feel better, like a burden has been lifted. So, if you're feeling a little stuck, travel outside for a couple hours. I also love to feel that freedom that comes within the great outdoors. It feels like my second home. It is always the smallest things that make us happy, not necessarily the large accomplishments. Realizing the smallest things will help us persevere and step forward.

2. Less Stress
Since everyone's lives are filled with the fast paced world, we are all very stressed. The world seems to be moving faster than we can wrap our heads around it. One minute in the city seems like ons second. Everything is so quick, almost as if time does not exist. On top of that, people have their strict daily schedules between the possibility of work or school. The biggest antidote to stress is traveling outside and just getting some fresh air. Breathing in that fresh air gives a sense of reassurance. Being happy and stress go hand and hand because stress is a inhibitor to happiness. In order to be happy, stress needs to be kept at a minimum. Take a walk throughout town or ride a bike. I am sure that these will help calm the soul.

"Colors are the smiles of nature."
-Leigh Hunt

3. Feel Connected
Feeling connected is an important aspect in life. Not just feeling connected with people or technology, but with nature. We just feel better while taking a brisk walk in the park or even going to the lake. There's so much to learn! Being in tune with our surroundings often comes with being out in nature. That connection with the animals, plants, and within ourselves is so neat to find.

4. Give Yourself A Break
A weekend getaway camping is a great way to get a break. Weekend literally means week end. Take that as an opportunity to end your work week and give yourself an end and a new beginning. Take the opportunity to get to know some wildlife, plants, trees, or even types of rocks. Explore some land marks or historical markers and dig deeper. I love to take photos while out in nature because I can capture these wonderful creatures and aspects that come with nature. Being out in nature brings forth new opportunities for those who do love to take photos. Plants are one of my favorite things to take photos of.

"The earth has music for those who listen."
-William Shakespeare

5. Observe the Plants & Animals
Tuning yourself to understand animal characteristics, traits, and behaviors will help you understand yourself. The very same goes for plants. Trust me, there are some pretty amazing traits that plants and animals have. Plus, all of the colors just memorize my eyes. Who doesn't love to look at a field of wildflowers with green conifers? The smell of pine trees filling the air, birds chirping, the wind blowing softly, and listening to the peace. Maybe it is the sand between your toes with the warm ocean water kissing the shore as you stroll by. Palm trees will be swaying in the wind. Another possibility could be the desert which brings the cacti and the lizards. When the snow paints a winter landscape along with the deer marching through the snow. Really, this world is gorgeous. Sometimes I cannot believe how amazing and beautiful this planet really is.

"The earth laughs in flowers."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson