We’ve heard it before: “Get outside, it’s good for you.”
But what if we turned that advice into something uniquely ours?
Something enjoyable. Repeatable. Even a little playful.
This summer, let’s discover and design our Personal Outdoor Formula.
Not because it’s another thing to add to our to-do list,
But because it’s a way to reclaim our time, energy, and sense of joy.
Why It Matters
Science says we thrive in sunlight, fresh air, and green spaces.
Just 20 minutes outside can lower stress, boost our mood, and even improve memory.
Time in nature has been proven to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and spark creativity.
Even a few minutes a day helps us feel more grounded and less drained.
In the hectic day-to-day busyness of our lives, we forget we don’t have to do something big.
There is no need to head for the beach or the mountains.
We just need to step outside with intention.
Redefine “Outdoor Time”
Let’s break the rules (and the excuses). Outdoor time isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It doesn’t have to be a workout. It doesn’t even have to be active.
We can:
- Sip coffee on the porch
- Read a book under a tree
- Walk around the block after dinner
- Tend to plants or a garden
- Sketch, journal, or take photos of what we see
What matters is showing up. Outside. In a way that is personally restoring. What restores one person might be stressful for another. We need to find our own formula.
Build Your Personal Outdoor Formula
Our formula can be simple:
Formula = [Time of Day] + [Activity Type] + [Setting] + [Frequency]
Examples:
Morning + Walk + Neighborhood + 5x/week
Evening + Read + Patio + 3x/week
We need to make it ours. Give it a name. Something fun.
Which Outdoor Type Are You?
Here are a few “outdoor identities” to spark inspiration:
| Name | Description |
| The Porch Philosopher | Coffee in hand. Mind in the clouds. A thinker’s retreat. |
| The Grounded Gazer | Finds peace in stillness with the grass beneath and sky above. |
| The Movement Minimalist | A 10-minute walk is enough. Simplicity is success. |
| The Hammock Hero | Believes rest is productive. Unwinds under the trees. |
| The Bonfire Boss | Brings people together after sunset. Connection matters. |
| The Creative Camper | Turns nature into a studio with a camera or sketchpad in hand. |
| The Routine Rambler | Puts outdoor time on the calendar. Keeps it consistent. |
| The Sidewalk Scout | Sees magic in the familiar. The same street, new details. |
| The Breezy Builder | Finding ways to update their spaces, one breeze at a time. |
| The Picnic Planner | Designing outdoor experiences for family and friends. |
| The Maker on the Move | Wanders with intention, thinking and creating along the way. |
| The Deck Discoverer | Loves lounging outdoors with a good book. |
Which one feels like you? Or do you have a formula all your own?
Tips to Make It Happen
- Pair it with an existing habit (like after lunch or post-work)
- Prepare your gear: hat, water bottle, outdoor chair, sunscreen
- Make it visible—add to your calendar or create a reminder
- Invite a friend or family member to join you
- Let it evolve as your summer shifts
Your Turn
What’s your formula this summer?
Do you see yourself in one of the outdoor types?
How will you find the space needed each day to get outside and soak in the benefits?