Spend More Time Outdoors with These Tips

Spending time in the great outdoors is a gift. You get the sunshine on your face, a cool breeze on your back, and invigorating fresh air to breathe in. Being outside does have its challenges, however, and it is important to recognize them and plan ahead. Continue reading for practical suggestions on how to be more comfortable when you are outdoors.

Bring the Right Gear

Whether you are hanging out in your backyard, going for a long walk with your dog, or heading out for a bike ride with the family, you need to be prepared. Having the right gear with you can make a big difference if the weather changes or the unfortunate occurs.

Here are some essential supplies to have handy, depending on your activity in the great outdoors:

• Protect your hearing with essential gear, such as Bifrost Gear, if you are going into loud areas, such as an outdoor concert, or if you enjoy participating in shooting sports.
• Always pack a hat, whether it is below zero or rising to the triple digits or anywhere in between. A weather-appropriate hat will protect you from the cold or the sun as needed.
• Regardless of whether it is summer or winter, wearing sunscreen is a good idea. You already know you should wear it in the summer, but during the winter months, you can still get sunburn as the sun’s rays reflect off the snow and onto your face.
• Bug spray is very important in the spring, summer, and fall months whenever you are spending time in wooded areas or places with tall grasses. Look for a bug spray formula that deters mosquitoes and ticks. 
• Wearing proper clothing is essential to stay warm in the winter, of course, but it is also necessary in the warmer months. If you are planning a hike, it is good practice to wear long pants and tuck them into your socks. This simple step can prevent ticks from crawling up inside your pants legs.

Take Your Meals Outside

There is nothing like an al fresco meal. Looking at the natural world while enjoying great food is the perfect setting for a relaxing meal with your family, friends, or a party of one. Bring your morning coffee and muffin outside to watch the sun rise from your patio. Bring out trays of food for an evening meal with your favorite people. You can also pack some sandwiches, fruit, and beverages and take them to the park for a lovely picnic. Bring a picnic blanket, sunscreen, hats, and enjoy. You will get bonus points for bringing a Frisbee and a soccer ball along, too.

Watch this video for scientific insight on how nature affects your brain.

Spend more time outside by following these suggestions. Always be prepared by bringing the essential supplies with you. Once you have your gear ready to go, head to the park for a family picnic and some fun time together. Finding ways to be outside more is as easy as taking your morning cup of coffee to the patio.