We could all use more time outdoors. And yet how often do we prioritize time outside (even when we know we should)? Well, summer is here, and there are no more excuses. It’s time to get out into the world outside your window. Don’t waste the best months of the year.
How am I supposed to get outside this summer? You might be thinking. I have so much to do inside! We know the struggle, so we have some suggestions. Here are eight super easy ways to spend more time outside your mobile home this summer.
#1 Buy a grill and eat meals outside
You won’t believe how much time you’ll start spending outside if you buy a grill! The benefits of making the investment are well worth it. Obviously, a grill can be a little pricey. So even though this is an easy way to spend more time outside, you’ll need a little money to make it happen.
If you decide to take the plunge, we don’t think you’ll regret it. Grilling most (or all) of your meals outside during the summer makes for some great family time and keeps your house nice and cool. No more hot evenings in your mobile home kitchen!
#2 Create a seating area
There’s something about grilled food that makes you want to not only cook it outside but eat it outside too. That’s why a comfortable outdoor seating area can be a perfect addition to your lawn. However, whether you own a grill or not, creating a seating area in your mobile home yard is still a great idea. Getting outside in the first place is half the battle, and if you have a nice place to sit, you’ll make it easier on yourself.
For instance, if you have a porch or deck, make things comfortable by adding comfortable chairs (or a swing) and a coffee table. Don’t forget to add cushions and blankets. Make it appealing to the entire family. Or just stick a chair and a small table under a tree in the backyard. It doesn’t matter how small or how elaborate it is, as long as you’re getting outside.
#3 Get a new (outdoor) hobby
Take up biking. Become a hiker. Start a garden. The sky’s the limit. There’s a hobby out there that you can be passionate about, even if you aren’t an “outdoorsy” person. Find a hobby you’ll love and use it as an excuse to get outside.
#4 Find a buddy
Being outside is so much more enjoyable with a friend. Or your spouse, your sibling, or your children. Find a buddy or two who love being outdoors. What’s something you both like to do outdoors that you can do together from now on? Hiking? Running? Sitting on the beach?
Find a person or group of people who will be there for your outdoor adventures. It’s almost like having accountability partners.
#5 Start a new workout routine
If you love exercise and find yourself at the gym every week, stop and think. Is there a way you could combine working out and being outdoors? Get out of the air-conditioned gym and forget the treadmill! Start running outside instead.
Or, if you’re not a runner, start doing weight training outdoors instead of indoors. If you like cardio, find an outdoor gym in your area.
#6 Take indoor activities outside
Make a point to be outside whenever possible. This could call for evaluating all of your current daily activities and checking if any can feasibly be moved outdoors. If you work from home, or are temporarily working from home due to COVID-19, sit outside when you’re on a conference call. Drink your morning coffee outdoors with a good book. Watch TV outdoors on your laptop. A large percentage of the things we think of as “indoor activities” can be accomplished outside.
#7 Start a walking challenge
Challenge yourself to walk a certain number of miles this summer. Or break it down to weekly or monthly goals. This is a great thing to do with a friend – the more the merrier! If you finish your goals, you get to reward yourself. And that reward could be anything from ice cream to a camping trip.
#8 Spend an entire day outside
Look around your yard. If you spent an entire day outside doing projects, lawn work, or gardening, would there be enough work to keep you occupied? We’re guessing the answer is probably “Yes.” Schedule an entire day outside this week. You’ll be surprised how much you accomplish.
Pro tip: kids love spending the entire day outside. So go ahead and announce that today, there’s no indoor time allowed! But if you’re going to take them along for this adventure, it might be a good idea to combine work and relaxation. In the heat of the afternoon, spread blankets out in the shade and read books or play games.
Is spending time outdoors easy?
These days it’s difficult, with so many distractions, to spend as much time outside as we’d like. And if you don’t make time for it, it never seems to happen. But if you practice taking your indoor activities outdoors and scheduling workouts, walks, and projects, we promise it’ll get easier. Soon it will be something you look forward to. For more great ideas, check out these 19 ways to welcome summer into your mobile home.