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When thinking about being “outdoors” you might think of somewhere like Kings Park, Serpentine Falls or even the South Perth foreshore. It’s easy to forget that spending time in the outdoors is as simple as being in your own backyard or at a local park.
Research shows a strong connection between outdoor activity and improved mental wellbeing. According to Act Belong Commit, when we forge great connections with nature, we may also feel like our life is more worthwhile and experience more positive emotions, like calmness and joy.
That connection with nature has been associated with improved mental health and lowering levels of depression and anxiety. Just making a few little changes in your life to spend a bit of extra time outdoors can have lots of mental and physical health benefits.
The small stuff
You don’t need to make significant changes to your life to enjoy the outdoors more. Starting with small, manageable changes is the way to go.
Instead of driving down to the local shops, try walking or cycling there. Or sit outside to have your lunch or read a book a couple of times a week. Even getting into doing some gardening work can mean more time outside.
As a student, you can also implement some smaller changes around campus or into your study routine. Leave for class a little earlier so you can walk the long way there and take in the beautiful Curtin campus. Or even take a break from studying in the library and find one of the many outdoor study spots that are around.
Outdoor fitness and exercise
Exercising is a great way to get outdoors more is by exercising. Try going for a walk a few times a week, whether it be around the block in your neighbourhood or to a local park. Bring a friend, family member or your dog for a companion!
On weekends when you’ve got a bit more time to spare, try out a bush-walking trail or go for a swim at the beach!
People who exercise outdoors say they are more likely to exercise again compared to people who exclusively exercise indoors. This is likely due to regular exercise in nature increasing focus, motivation, and energy.
Joining a club or participating in sporting activities are great ways to get outdoors even more when exercising.
At Curtin, there are plenty of ways to stay active outdoors. With activities from social sports to disc golf, there is something for every fitness level.
Take a look at all of the options at Curtin.
By associating sport positively with being outside, you can work on creating a positive connection with the outdoors.
The Act Belong Commit method
When we give back to the community and enact positive changes into our lives, it makes us feel better and improves our self-esteem. The Act Belong Commit model makes it easy to do this by getting out in nature both alone, and with others.
- Act – Do something outdoors on your own. Whether it’s walking your dog, a swim at the local beach or eating lunch outside. Start with a comfortable change that will make you feel good, even just momentarily.
- Belong – Do something outside with someone else, like a friend, family member or partner. It can be as simple as going out for lunch together and choosing an outdoor table or doing a bike ride or bush walk together. Whatever you choose, you’ll feel fulfilled by spending time in nature with someone you love.
- Commit – Do something meaningful, that will have long term impact on yourself and others. Perhaps try volunteering at an outdoor event or help at a community garden. Or commit to a weekly bush walk with a mate. Anything you can do frequently, outside, will help you to create that positive connection with the outdoors.
This article was written by Digital & social media and Journalism student, Hayley Dodds.
