YouAlberta
We’ve all been there. The fall term arrives, winter sets in and suddenly you realize you spent most of your summer indoors.
It’s sometimes impossible to avoid because, as students and researchers, we spend a lot of time at our desks or in the library studying or working — barely seeing the light of day. Yet, there are so many benefits to being outside; enjoying the fresh air is great for our mental health and helps us soak up much-needed vitamin D.
This year, I encourage you to be more intentional about spending time outside and find ways to fit outdoor activity into your summer routine.
So, instead of looking out the window and thinking, “Wow, I wish I could enjoy this weather,” here are some ways to incorporate more outdoor time.
Discover your favourite ‘outdoor’ office locations.
This may take some exploring or trial and error, but try to identify 2-3 spots, either on campus or near you, that are appealing for outdoor work.
I have a few favourite spots, including parks near my house, as well as places in the river valley (Emily Murphy Park or Hawrelak Park). I opt for locations with picnic tables andf shade that aren’t too close to busy roads.
My top tips for working outside are to bring water, a snack, and to purchase an anti-glare screen protector for your devices — this will help get rid of the annoying reflections on sunny days. I also highly recommend noise-cancelling headphones, sunscreen and a rechargeable battery pack if you plan to stay for longer periods.
Schedule time outside.
Yes, I mean literally block off the time in your calendar or add it to your to-do list. It may seem strange, but scheduling it makes me far more likely to follow through and be intentional about spending time in nature. When I plan for my week, I look for time blocks with no meetings or commitments so that I can think through which days and hours I can work outside.
Opt for outdoor social hangouts.
Making plans with friends or family? Swap the indoor venues or restaurant patios and try one of the following ideas.
1) Host a frisbee (or other sport) night at a park ; 2) explore a new greenspace or walk a new trail that you’ve never visited or 3) spend the evening at a public outdoor pool . All of these are free or affordable options that get you and your loved ones spending more time outside!
Take some lunchtime walks.
Not everyone has a situation that allows them to work outside. If that’s the case, one way to include more outdoor time in your routine is to take walks during your lunch breaks. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, it’s a nice habit to get into. Getting out of your office or workspace for a short period will help you feel refreshed before carrying on with your day.
Exercise outside!
Swap the treadmill for outdoor activities such as running, cycling, swimming or bring your exercise mat to practice yoga or other exercises in a park.
For me, spending time outside is one of the best parts of summer. I hope you can try out these ideas and maximize your time in the great outdoors — so that when fall hits, you’ll have no regrets!