This spring break, I had some major realizations. I tried to spend a lot more time outside, and when I did, I discovered I was a lot happier. My boyfriend and I went fishing a couple times, and I caught my first fish. Being outside was a distraction from everything else going on, and I wasn’t on my phone and just enjoyed the outdoors.

Our society is too much involved in technology, social media, and materialistic things. Parks, zoos, museums, and more hardly get used as much as they used to. These are usually free options for us, yet still people do not take advantage.

The outdoors are so good for you, whether you are running, taking a hike, or playing outside with friends. Spending time outdoors makes you both healthier and happier. I know it is hard sometimes to take a second and just decide to spend 15 minutes outside, especially in our fast paced society. People often feel like they don’t have enough time for the outdoors, whether it’s from school, work, going to the gym, cooking and eating, and more. But, if you go to a school or live in an area that is going to start getting nicer out soon, take advantage. And if you’re like me and live in a polar vortex state, try to get out for 5-10 minutes on the warmerish days, even if it’s just taking a walk around the block to clear your mind. I often do this when I have a lot of homework and am stressed out, or need an idea for something I’m working on, or even if I’m having trouble in a situation and life has thrown an obstacle at me. Being outside is a time for realizations, to unplug, and just relax.

It’s also sad these days how my generation was the last generation to be without IPhones and all of the electronics we have now, the days of playing manhunt outside on your street and riding bikes seem soon to be over for young kids. I see it with my cousins and little kids in my community, who would rather play games on their phones than outside.

We spend 90% of our time outside, which is so much more than people did in generations before. It causes health problems, including how the air indoors is worse than outdoors. So get your vitamin D and better your eyesight. Do you ever stare at a computer for a long time and your eyes start to bother you? That is why. Going outside also helps you sleep and gets you moving, so if you’re trying to get fit simply walking outdoors is a first baby step. Going outside gives you energy, helps with memory, boosts your immune system, and just has so many other benefits. So next time you can’t decide where to do homework, try outside!