Getting Motivated to Get Outdoors

When you’re stuck in a rut, sometimes all you need to do is get outside. In fact, the rut you may be stuck in is the winter-hibernation-stay-inside rut. Just because spring is here and summer is right around the corner doesn’t mean you’ll automatically snap out of it. Sometimes you need a little motivation to get out of the house, especially when you’re on your own.

Here are some ways to help you get motivated to get out there:

• Join a Meetup group that does something outdoorsy, like a hiking or biking group. Having others around you can up the fun factor.
• Are you a walker, runner or cyclist? Find races in your area and sign up. You don’t have to be competitive, just do it for the fun of it or for the cause that it supports.
• Join an organization that focuses on an outdoor activity, like a gardening club or a trail maintenance organization. Organized events are sometimes more motivating than coming up with things on your own.
• Sign up for an outdoor sports league. They’ll be expecting you and it’ll likely be a lot of fun.
• Take up a new outdoor activity, such as bird-watching or outdoor photography.
• Reserve a plot in a community garden. You’ll have to go water your veggies, and you’ll want to, too.
• Invite a friend to do something outdoorsy with you, then head to lunch or dinner afterward.
• Make it easy on yourself and do something relaxing. Stroll around the park, set up a chair under a tree and read, catch some rays at the pool.
• Decide to spruce up the exterior of your house, even if that means a balcony or patio. Create a seating area, throw down a rug and plant a few plants.
• Make a list of outdoor locations in your area you’d like to explore. Pick one and get going!

Get out of the house, breath some fresh air, look at something other than your four walls, and see how much better you feel. Who knows, you may even have an epiphany that sets you on a new path in your life.