I used to believe my best moments were found in front of a screen.
Trapped in a cycle of video games, binge eating, and lazy habits, the four walls of my room were my entire world. The thought of going outside felt like a chore, another thing on a to-do list I had no energy to tackle. I was disconnected from everything real, including myself. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It feels like you’re in a deep hole, and the effort to climb out seems impossible.
But the biggest changes in my life didn’t start with a grand plan. They started with one small, simple step: opening the door and walking outside.
My Journey from the Couch to the Trail
Losing over 110 pounds wasn't just about changing my diet. It was about changing my environment. When I was at my heaviest, my default setting was "indoors." My entertainment, my comfort food, and my bad habits were all inside. The outside world felt intimidating.
My first step toward a new life wasn't signing up for a marathon. It was a simple ten-minute walk around my block. I remember feeling out of breath and self-conscious. But I also felt something else. The crisp air. The warmth of the sun on my skin. The simple rhythm of my feet on the pavement.
It was a tiny spark.
That ten-minute walk became fifteen, then twenty. Soon, I was seeking out local parks and easy trails. I wasn't an athlete. I was just a guy who realized that the world God created was a far better remedy for my soul than anything I could find on a screen. The outdoors became my ally, not my enemy. It was the place I went to clear my head, to feel my body grow stronger, and to escape the temptations that kept me stuck.
God's Remedy for a Restless Mind
There’s a reason we feel better outside. We were designed for it. When you feel overwhelmed by the noise of life—the notifications, the deadlines, the endless stream of bad news—stepping into nature is like hitting a reset button. It’s a way to disconnect from our man-made world and reconnect with God's creation.
You don’t need complex theories to understand it. You just need to feel it. The sunlight provides vitamin D. The fresh air clears your lungs. The sights and sounds of nature give your mind a break from the constant stimulation of modern life. It’s a simple, powerful gift waiting for us just outside our doors. For me, spending time in nature is a form of prayer. It's a way to quiet my own thoughts and feel a sense of gratitude for the beautiful world He made.
15 Outdoor Activities to Boost Your Mood
You don't need expensive gear or an entire day to get the benefits. The goal is to just start. Find one thing on this list that sounds even slightly appealing and give it a try for just 15 minutes.
- Go for a Simple Walk. No destination needed. Just walk around your neighborhood. Notice the houses, the trees, the sky. It was my first step, and it can be yours too.
- Sit on a Park Bench. You don’t even have to move. Just sit and watch the world go by. Leave your phone in your pocket.
- Watch a Sunrise or Sunset. There is something profoundly peaceful about watching the day begin or end. It puts your own worries into perspective.
- Go for a Hike on an Easy Trail. Look up a local park or nature preserve. You don't have to climb a mountain. A simple wooded path is perfect.
- Ride a Bike. Remember how fun this was as a kid? It still is. Feel the wind in your face and enjoy the ride.
- Have a Picnic. Pack a simple lunch or even just a snack and a drink. Eating outside makes everything taste better.
- Read a Book in a Park. Find a shady tree and get lost in a good story. It’s a perfect way to relax away from home.
- Try Gardening. Even if it’s just a few pots on your porch. Tending to plants and getting your hands in the dirt is incredibly grounding.
- Go Fishing. It’s less about catching a fish and more about the patience and quiet that comes with sitting by the water.
- Play a Sport with Friends. Throw a frisbee, shoot some hoops, or kick a soccer ball around. A little friendly activity is a great mood booster.
- Gaze at the Stars. On a clear night, step away from the city lights and just look up. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.
- Find a Body of Water. Sit by a lake, a river, or the ocean. The sound and sight of water have a naturally calming effect.
- Try Outdoor Photography. Use your phone to capture interesting things you see. It trains your eye to look for beauty in the small details.
- Volunteer for an Outdoor Project. Help clean up a local park or work in a community garden. Serving others while being outside is a powerful combination.
- Enjoy a Warm Drink on Your Porch. Make a cup of coffee or tea and just sit outside for a few minutes before starting your day. It’s a small ritual that can make a big difference.
Choosing to go outside is a choice for your well-being. It’s a declaration that you’re worth the time and effort. It’s a step toward a healthier mind, body, and spirit.
It all starts with that first step out the door.
So, what’s one small thing you can do outside today?
