10 Reasons Why I Love the Outdoors

By Megan Richard

1. I truly enjoy taking my dog for a walk. Everyone who knows me has definitely heard,
“Sorry, I won’t be able to make it. I have to walk my dog!” I think we walk probably 350
days a year, excluding those unbearably hot summer days and the bitter cold, below zero days in the winter. My dog needs the exercise to stretch out his legs, get rid of some pent-up energy, and read the newspaper. Walking is also my favorite form of exercise, and after sitting at a desk all day, I need the movement just as much as he does. It’s a time for me to get my steps in, reflect on the day or what I have yet to accomplish, and enjoy the outdoors with my best pal by my side.

2. Walking in general (furry friend or not) is really a great way to enjoy the outdoors but also catch up with friends. When I was in college, my roommate and I would walk a trail near campus almost every day. We would talk for the entire time, gossiping about classes, our futures, and everything in between. I still do this with friends once in a while and find it a great, budget-friendly way to catch up and get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

3. I also really enjoy hiking; it’s a nice change of pace from my normal walking route on the streets behind my house. There’s just something so much nicer about being surrounded by nature and working a little bit harder going up hills, around rocks, and through trees. I will say, though, hiking here in the Midwest is nothing compared to hikes in the mountains of the West. Those are a true workout and challenge often followed by a huge reward. The waterfall at the end of the hike or the view from the top of the mountain gives me a sense of satisfaction and awe at the beautiful world we live in.

4. My vacations almost always exist of enjoying the outdoors. Traveling to new places and seeing new things is an amazing experience. No matter where I am (as long as it’s not miserable outside), I’m game for a hike in the mountains, a walk along the beach, or another outdoor activity exploring someplace new.

5. Being on the water, or near the water, makes me feel at peace. Growing up surrounded by Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, I quickly found that the water is where I feel the most calm and relaxed. Being out on a boat in the middle of Lake Michigan, with no land in sight, really helps me take everything into perspective. I often find myself taking a deep breath and letting all my worries and stress disappear with the crashing waves.

6. Any indoor activity that I can do outside is a win for me, including reading. I find myself reading much more during the summer, when I can soak in the sunshine while sitting on my deck and escaping to another world for a couple hours.

7. Door County sunsets are some of the best I have ever seen. The way the bright orange sun meets the water and turns the sky into a watercolor painting is beautiful. But sunsets all over are beautiful in their own way. A sunset in Florida paired with the backdrop of palm trees is iconic to tropical locations. And the deep orange sunsets meeting the mountain tops out west is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The world truly creates amazing scenes every single night—no matter what is going on in the world or in my life, there is always another sunset to look forward to.

8. Living in the Midwest, we are blessed with all four seasons. In the winter, I enjoy hiking through the snow or ice skating on a frozen lake. Springtime brings newfound energy, joy, and warmth as the world slowly reawakens and comes back to life. The first walk or hike on a sunny, 50-degree day makes the cold, dark winter worth it. Summer, of course, is the prime time for enjoying the outdoors. Swimming, fishing, going to the beach, traveling—you name it. And fall puts on a stunning display of color with the changing of the leaves. It’s this time of year that I enjoy hiking the most (not too hot, not too cold, and stunning views).

9. Stepping outside into the crisp morning air surely wakes you up in the morning. I think any fresh air is good for all of us, and it’s always nice to pause for a couple seconds, take a deep inhale, and breathe in the scent of the outdoors.

10. Last, I don’t think I’m alone when I say sunshine automatically puts me in a better mood. Looking into the sky with closed eyes and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face is a feeling like no other.

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