Spring has officially sprung, and with warmer weather finally within reach, we’re ready to get outside.  It’s so easy to get stuck in your daily work routine, but you need some Vitamin D, too.  And, scheduling some much deserved outside time into your routine can be pretty easy.  We know everyone already has their favorite things to do outside, but here’s a couple more to add to your list this spring.

1. Have a Picnic

Yes, it’s old school and maybe even a little cliché, but when is the last time you actually packed up, sat down, and had a real picnic?  Probably a while.  This is a great alternative to going out to eat because it’s a small way you can get outside and get active. 

You can get together with a group of friends and each bring a dish or side from your favorite local deli, or make that new recipe you’ve been dying to try.  By putting together a little picnic potluck you can help all your friends get together and get outside to welcome the spring. 

Or, after a long week, take a day for yourself, pack a lunch, grab a blanket and a good book and go have a personal picnic.  Pick your favorite park and just relax.  Clichés are clichés for a reason, and a picnic is definitely a classic outdoor activity for a reason.  It’s an easy way to set aside an hour of your day to enjoy the outdoors.  

2. Go for a Jog

Another pretty classic activity: jogging.  This spring, ditch the treadmill and hit the streets.  You’ve been cooped up all winter, and it’s finally nice out so why spend all that time in the gym when you could be running around outside. 

You don’t have to go for long, and it honestly doesn’t even really have to be a “jog.”  Pick your own pace.  Even just going for a short stroll around the block is something.  It’s another easy way to get outside and enjoy some springtime, even just for a few minutes.  

3. Play a Team Sport

Another great way to get outside and get all your friends together at the same time.  Join an organized softball league, or put together your own.  Pick a day of the week, head to the park, and play a pickup game of soccer. 

Just like having a real picnic, when is the last time you actually played a team sport?  Probably a while.  By designating one day a week, or joining an organized league, you can make a team activity part of your routine, and hence, setting aside some more time for the outside. 

4. Plant a Garden

Spring is the perfect time to start a garden. If you plan accordingly, then by gardening earlier in the season you can actually grow more.  It is important to be a little more cautious when you begin gardening in the spring, because there can still be some frost and colder weather. Cover up seedlings in a plastic cover on nights it is supposed to be especially cold, or if you feel more comfortable, just cover them every night. 

You also don’t necessarily have to begin planting in the spring, but you could just start planning and plotting a small area.  Choose where you want to make your garden in the summer, and start weeding and preparing that area.  Gardening is another activity that really doesn’t take up much time in your day, but it gets you to spend just a little more time outside enjoying yourself.

So, these are just a few of our favorite things to do outside.  And whether you choose something from our list, or something from your own, give yourself that much deserved spring sunshine time.  The best way to welcome these warmer months is by taking advantage of them and getting outside, even just a little.