We are all too familiar with fast-paced, go-go-go lives that never seem to slow down, and far too often we forget to take a break and enjoy the beautiful Earth around us. Nature has so much in store for us if we just take some time out of our hectic lives to catch our breath and take advantage of what the Earth has to offer. Here are five of my favorite activities to do in the great outdoors; hopefully we can all take some time this summer to spend time outdoors and do one or all five of these great activities.
1. Hiking.
Grab a group of friends, find a mountain (with a trail) and go for a hike! It doesn’t matter if the hike is two hours or eight hours, but it’s nice way to spend a beautiful summer day and the view from the top is always well worth the climb. Added plus: you may find yourself hiking a place where there is no cell reception, so you can spend quality time with nature and those around you without technological distractions. If you are in a place where there is still cell service, consider turning off your cell phones or putting them in your bags on silent to put all of your focus and attention on the hike.
2. Camping.
No matter where you are, there is always somewhere within a reasonable distance where you can go camping. Find a place, set up a tent and share stories around the campfire. If it’s a clear night, camping can be a great time to take some quiet time and stargaze with the sounds of crickets chirping in the background (just don’t forget the bug spray!).
3. Water activities.
While this one is a bit broader and may require more equipment, the opportunities are endless. Go on a hike to a waterfall or swimming holes, go kayaking, canoeing or tubing down a river, go wake-boarding or waterskiing on a lake, go white water rafting, go paddle boarding. Especially on a hot summer day, water activities are a perfect choice because they are fun and keep you cool in the summer heat.
4. Fishing.
For a peaceful day by the water, grab some bait and poles and start fishin’. Some might say it’s boring, but fishing is truly a nice change of pace from our everyday lives where we are constantly on the move. If you’re lucky you might catch yourself some dinner, but even on the days where you don’t catch a thing, it can still be nice time of relaxation while enjoying some fresh air and the summer sun.
5. Sitting.
Now you may have re-read that seven letter word and wondered why I included sitting as an activity, but sitting outside is truly one of the best ways to relax. Whether you’re in the mountains, on the beach, in a field or in your own backyard, it can be nice and refreshing to take a few minutes or a few hours to just sit outside in the fresh air, take in your surroundings and appreciate this wonderful Earth that God created for us. Why sit inside and stare at an electronic screen when you can sit outside and see nature and all of its glory? We have a limited amount of time here on this Earth, so we may as well enjoy it while we can.
Aristotle once said, “Every realm of nature is marvelous,” and I must agree. No matter where you are in your hometown, your state, your country or the world, there is some way, shape or form that you can get out and take advantage of the nature around you, but just remember to “Leave No Trace” wherever your adventures may take you.
