July 27th

By Mutt Mulligan

10 easy ways to spend 10 minutes outside

A growing body of scientific evidence proves that getting outside (i.e. being an outsider) has always been good for us. But in the era of coronavirus, it’s a mental health necessity. Exploring and appreciating nature – in our own backyards and (safely) in community green spaces – reduces stress, improves memory, boosts heart health, and offers a host of other benefits for our minds and bodies.

Having a living landscape of grass, trees, shrubs, and flowering plants is good. Using this outdoor space to reap the health benefits it offers is even better. Getting outside, even for just 10 minutes, can do much to boost your mood, productivity, and quality of life.

Here are 10 easy ways you can enjoy nature in just 10 minutes by simply going out your back door.

Get your kids moving. A rousing game of tag or hide and seek in the family yard is a great way to counter computer and screen time.

Play with your dog. A dog’s favorite “room” of the house is your family yard. Take inspiration from your pooch and spend a few minutes outside playing Frisbee or fetch.

Clean up your outdoor living room. Make simple work of yard chores by breaking them up into smaller chunks. Ten minutes is enough time to put a serious dent in weeding a flower bed, sweeping off the back patio, or picking up debris from your lawn.

Plant something. Take 10 minutes to dig a hole and introduce a new plant in your yard or flowerbeds.

Dine al fresco. Taking a meal outside is one of the easiest – and most nourishing – ways to enjoy the outdoor space around you. Have breakfast with the backyard birds. Lunch at a park (socially distanced, of course). Enjoy your coffee break under a shade tree.

Study or read a book. Take the “work” out of homework by moving study or reading sessions to your backyard.

Take a walk. Lace up your athletic shoes and head out for a properly-distanced walk around the block or to your neighborhood park. While you’re out, commit to turning off your cell phone and enjoying the natural setting around you (it’s just 10 minutes, after all!).

Swap a (short) drive for walking or biking. Do you typically use your car to grab the mail or run other daily errands nearby? If it’s not too far, take a short walk or ride your bike instead.

Meet outside. Fresh air can be a catalyst for fresh ideas, so take your next work call outside. Need to have a heart-to-heart with your child? Scientists have discovered that communication between parents and children is more connected when conducted outside.

Sit back and relax. Sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing at all. Spend some time in a hammock, spread a blanket out on the grass, or take a meditation break outside to soak up the nature around you.

For more information on the benefits of our living landscapes and how to be an outsider, visit TurfMutt.com.