Exercise is one of the best ways to take care of your body and your health. Any kind of exercise is great, but there are added benefits to exercising outside. Getting outdoors every day is also a vital part of being proactive about your health. It improves blood pressure and might help you sleep better. In addition to physical health, sunshine has a proven effect on mental health as well. Exercising outside can seem daunting if you aren’t sure where to go or what to do. You might also feel embarrassed at the thought of exercising in a public place where anyone can walk by. Rest assured, there is an outdoor workout for everyone. Here are a few ways you can get the exercise and outdoor time you need simultaneously.

1. Incorporate the Outdoors Into Your Routine

If you feel busy and overwhelmed adding an additional task to your day probably sounds like the last thing you need. Instead of looking at getting outdoors as an extra thing on your to-do list, think of ways you can incorporate it into the routines you already have in place. If you are starting every morning with a mini thrive experience, take it outdoors instead of doing it inside. If you frequently eat lunch in a work cafeteria or in your car, eat outside and take a brisk walk around your building instead. Getting out into nature doesn’t have to complicate your life. With a little effort, you can seamlessly fit it into your current routines.

2. Go for a Walk

The easiest thing you can do to get exercise outside is to go for a walk. You can find a park or nature trail nearby or simply go for a walk around your neighborhood or apartment complex. Walking is easy and less intimidating for someone who is just beginning to exercise. You don’t have to worry about people watching you. Walking can also encourage productivity if you choose to listen to an audiobook or podcast, or make phone calls while you do it. If you are short on time or motivation, start by taking a 20-30 minute walk every day and see how it affects you.

3. Find a Friend

If being outside feels boring or isolating, find a friend or group to take with you. This can be especially helpful if you have a hard time motivating yourself. On the days you want to stay inside, you’ll have someone to keep you accountable and push you.

4. Be Prepared

Regardless of what you’re doing outside, make sure you have the proper clothing and gear. Being unprepared for weather and terrain will make your outdoor experience miserable fast. It is always worth it to invest in things like good quality shoes, a new bike seat, and rain gear. You should also make sure you have plenty of water and maybe a snack or two, depending on how long you’ll be out. It’s important to keep your energy up, especially when you’re exercising.

5. Try Something New

If getting outside seems boring, this might be a great time to try something new. Try cycling, cross-country skiing, or swimming. Find a geographical feature you’ve never been to. Having a new habit or experience might be exactly the thing you need to get you outside again.

6. Don’t Neglect Parks

When you think of nature you might think of forests, rivers, and secluded areas, but parks are included in nature too! Many parks have exercise equipment for the public to use for free. You might also find more involved apparatus like rock climbing or zip lines. Don’t shy away from opportunities outside just because they are man-made.

These are just a few of the many ways you can spend more time in nature, and promote better health. The most important thing is that you get outside and get your body moving, whatever that looks like for you.