Remember when Mom used to send us outside to “Get some fresh air!” But kids aren’t the only ones who need to get outside. Think about it: We hustle from home to car to work to gym to school to store and back home again. No wonder we feel stressed and out of touch. It’s rare that we get the chance to soak up the sun and remember how calming and refreshing the outdoors can be.
So as summer arrives, let’s make a resolution to do more inside things outside, to feel the gentle massage of the sun on our shoulders and necks, and, in honor of Mom, “Get some fresh air!” Where to start?
Eat breakfast out. Forget the morning TV news crew—move your breakfast to the porch, deck, or just a blanket spread on a patch of grass (it’ll do). Sure, breakfast is important to get your body off to a good start, but you can use it to get your mind off to a great start, too. With kids, you may find an added benefit: crumbs and spills on the floor aren’t a concern.
Talk naturally. Whenever the phone rings at home, use it as a cue to take the conversation outdoors. It’ll buy you some privacy and time to take in a relaxing stroll—whether the person on the other end of the line is a favorite girlfriend or just a telemarketer. Telemarketer? Pretend you’re still talking even once you’ve ended the call—it’s a stolen moment of peace.
Get a better workout. What are you doing on the treadmill or watching workout DVDs when it’s 75 degrees and beautiful? Getting active outside brings double the benefits because it exercises your body and spirit. Look for surprising exercise equipment—park benches and slide bottoms are great for doing triceps dips. (Just place your hands behind you on the edge of the bench or slide, and extend your legs. Bending your elbows so they point behind you, slowly lower yourself. Hold for a second, then slowly press back up.)
Enjoy a book. Nothing is sweeter on a summer day than a good book and a patch of shade. If you keep a journal, make your updates outside. If you like to scrapbook, keep some supplies in a picnic basket that you can easily tote outside.
Create a spa. Paint nails, buff calluses, shave legs…after all, the light is better out here.
Do your dirty work. Pay bills, review bank statements, sort mail…it’s all more fun in the sun.
Shop. If you have a laptop and wireless network, you can buy those new beach towels or send a wedding gift from your own backyard.
Commute with nature. Instead of using the car to get to work or run errands, try cycling or walking. If it’s too far, drive part of the way and walk or bike the rest. If you’re looking for a splurge, rent a convertible for a week or weekend.
Bring a little sunshine to work. Instead of eating lunch at your desk, pack and picnic. Or schedule your next meeting as a walk. It beats sitting in a conference room, and you’ll get more done.
Shower. If you have a private backyard, hang a plastic curtain and something called a sun shower—you can find one at an outdoors store like REI for under $25. A sun shower has a bag that warms water in the sun and a dispenser. It’s designed for camping but is just as refreshing to use in your own yard.
Close your eyes. Whether it’s a nap or a night under the stars, sleeping outdoors is a treat. In fact, if you invite a special friend to share your sleeping bag, you’ll discover something else that’s even better outdoors.
(sometimes a late-night dip in the pool, too!)AND, since we don't have kids.....
Haven't done that in a while-got rid of the futon & gained a heavy, leather sleeper sofa. (We're getting another futon & ditching the couch, until then, chaise lounges.)
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
