Studies consistently show the cognitive and emotional benefits of regular time in nature. And yet, I recently read that the average American puts in about 10 hours of screen time per day.

Being outside shouldn’t be a chore, but rather a typical aspect of your daily life. The outdoors shouldn’t be associated with hard work and labor, nor should soaking up your immediate surroundings be seen as indulgent or inefficient.

Here are some tidbits from ways I’ve merged my lifestyle with getting out more:

Working outside can actually make you more productive. Exposing your eyes to sunlight can reduce mental fatigue and increase your ability to problem solve. Natural vitamin D can improve your attitude, and let’s be real, if you hate your job, it’s probably worth a shot.

Don’t worry, your outdoor workspace doesn’t have to be Shangri-La. Start with the basics: find a level spot with good lighting. Consider the physical elements of your job when deciding things like shade, table requirements, privacy, etc. And make it comfortable, a place you want to spend time in.

Getting regular exercise can be difficult for some, and although gyms are great, I suggest being active outdoors to ensure you get the psychological advantages of regulating your senses in nature.

If you have a full plate, you may have to be a bit creative in this department. Going for a walk after lunch or dinner is a great way to orient yourself within your environment. If you can’t bike to work, maybe use the outer parking lot.

The main takeaway here: enjoy using your body in ways it was originally adapted for where it was adapted to be used.

Like anything else, the more you prioritize being outside, the more you’ll find ways of being there.

As our world continues to digitalize, as doom scrolling for hours becomes normal behavior, as more people take advantage of telecommuting, it becomes more important to get in touch with our organic core.

And remember, you can always message me if you’re unsure of how to start.