It’s becoming increasingly socially acceptable to talk about your own well-being nowadays – and we’re all the better for it as a society. One of the things to come from our new and open societal discussions is that outdoor activities actually help a lot of people with their mental health and well-being. There’s just something about being in the fresh air and amongst nature that can improve your mood and change your focus, especially in fall when nature is changing before your very eyes. So, that’s why we thought we’d curate this list of 5 outdoor activities to take on in fall to improve your well-being.
1. Run regularly
Running is an outdoor activity that so many people say helps them improve their well-being. And for good reason. A demanding physical pursuit such as running means your focus is on the immediate goal of breathing, keeping up your pace and reaching your destination.
While running may not be for everyone, it is a brilliant outdoor activity to improve well-being for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s free to run. And you can change your route whenever you want to. When running, you don’t have to go with anyone else and you set your own pace and distance. Consider it this fall.
2. Join a sports club
If running isn’t for you, don’t worry. Other outdoor activities may well be, including sports clubs. Whether its tennis, badminton, squash or football, a sports club can really help to improve your well-being due to the routine it adds to your life and the social interaction you receive by taking part.
If you’re an extrovert, joining a sports club will definitely help to improve your well-being this fall as there is so much energy to be bounced between those in the club. Plus, there’s an element of competitiveness, which can help boost your well-being by giving you something to aim for in life.
3. Go bird watching
For those of you who can’t stand the thought of an organised group outdoor activity, do not worry. Outdoor activities do not have to be physical and involve lots of sweating and lots of other people. In fact, they can be incredibly quiet and intimate.
Bird watching is one brilliant outdoor activity for those wishing to improve their well-being. Not only is this an interesting activity, it allows you to appreciate the true beauty of nature, especially in the fall. By watching the birds, you can have your mind occupied for as long as you like, and you can even take up a new hobby: photography!
4. Take up hiking
Of course, there are adventure seekers out there who’d like to do something a little different in the outdoors this fall. Hiking is perfect for just that, especially if you consider taking some time off and go hiking abroad.
Heading away to another country can improve your well-being so much. You are in a totally different place and environment and your problems don’t follow you there. And you can see some amazing places when hiking, like the Alps and Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is a personal favourite of ours, and if you head there this fall, remember that the Inca Trail isn’t the only way to Machu Picchu – you can do it in many other ways.
5. Get green-fingered and create a garden
Finally, for those who prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home, an outdoor activity that can help improve your well-being is gardening.
This fall get green-fingered and start a lovely garden. Plant some shrubbery and create a vegetable patch. Get creative and add some cute garden ornaments to make your space that bit sweeter too.
Don’t turn your nose up at gardening as an outdoor activity – give it a try. You’ll be surprised at how much doing something so rewarding can improve your own well-being. Once you start it, you will fall in love and forever be adding little bits to your garden. And if you put the work in this fall, you will be prepared by spring for some wonderful flower planting to occur.
And if you don’t have your own garden, you can always volunteer at a botanical garden nearby.
Good luck!