In this day and age, people are slowly turning into house cats and cannot wait for the clock to strike 5 so they could go back to their lairs and spend the rest of the day switching TV channels on the couch. Catching a break from technology and going outside is good for the body and the mind, and has countless benefits.

Breathing fresh air and taking part in an outdoor adventure is bound to make you happier and creates opportunities for happy memories. Spending more time in the natural light will increase your natural Vitamin D intake which can help prevent cancer, heart attacks, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.

If you have noticed that you have been spending way too much time in front of your computer or TV, go outside, do actual physical things and lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. However, if you wish to embrace the natural surroundings the right way, make sure you engage in green activities that do not harm our planet.

Driving through the country or renting a motorboat might seem like a good idea for your weekend trip, but maybe opt for something that causes less pollution. After all, there are so many great activities you and your family can enjoy that do not cost much and are as eco-friendly as they can be.

Organize a Picnic

You don’t have to go far to enjoy a nice picnic with your loved ones. In fact, you can organize it in your backyard or go to a local park. However, keep in mind that you should pick up after yourself and use reusable utensils and containers to minimize waste. If you wish to make your picnic even greener, pack a lot of organic fruits and vegetables.

Go on a Hike

There are so many ways you can benefit from hiking. This type of activity can lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure, boost bone density, build strength in your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and the muscles in your hips and lower legs, improve your balance and boost your mood.

It is a great way to see distinguished sights and find the most remote places without impacting the environment, but you need to make some wise choices if you wish to reduce your ecological footprint. For instance, you should bring a reusable water bottle, leave the place cleaner than you found it, stay on the trail, use established campsites as well as choose your clothes wisely.

Believe it or not, your clothing choices have a huge impact on the environment, so when you are buying hiking gear make sure it is from an eco-friendly brand. For example, compression sleeves from Rockay are made from 100% recycled materials, and you can go on their website to find out more about sustainable gear.

And of course, if you need a comfortable stretchy belt to keep your pants up while you hike, consider the Seva flat stretch belt, or the thinner version called the Karma.

Go on a Camping Trip

Sleeping underneath the stars and being woken up by the sound of chirping birds definitely has its charms. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors without harming the planet, opt for solar chargers, find a campground close to your home so you do not need to travel far and remove all trash you generated during your camping trip. Be sure not to break off branches, pick flowers and engage in other activities that will disturb the environment and animals in it. In addition, make sure you bring plates and dishware you can wash and reuse, and use only non-toxic sunscreens and bug sprays.

Work on your Garden

Have you noticed that veggies and herbs from your garden always taste better than those from the market? Create a small garden in your backyard and plant your favorite veggies. Working on it can help you spend more time outside, get some exercise and eat healthier foods.

Go for a Bike Ride

Cycling requires no gasoline and doesn’t release any harmful vehicle emissions or smog into the air and therefore is a popular eco-friendly activity. Riding your bike is a great way to explore your local area and spend some time in the fresh air. However, this type of activity doesn’t have to be reserved only for the weekends. Choose to use your bicycle a few times a week instead of your car, and you will significantly lower your environmental footprint. Besides being an eco-friendly activity, cycling can also help build muscle, eliminate fat, strengthen your legs, alleviate stress, and improve your mood.

Enjoy Paddle Sports

If you wish to spend more time in nature and explore local waterways, do it with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. These are all environmentally friendly alternatives to boating since they won’t cause oil or gas to leak into the water, and won’t disrupt the environment with excessive speeds.

There are so many fun and eco-friendly activities to choose from, so pick one and spend your day reconnecting with nature instead of sitting on your couch. Your body and mind will thank you.