#OptOutside

This weekend, I had the opportunity to spend some time outside with a very good friend of mine, hiking some of the cliffs in at Mori Point in Pacifica.  I was reminded how important it is to spend time in the outdoors, especially now that the weather is improving.

Mori Point, Pacifica CA

If I was a betting woman, I would bet that you are familiar with REI's #OptOutside campaign that was launched in response to the craziness that has become Black Friday.  If you are unfamiliar with it, I urge you to do a little research, but basically, REI closed it's doors on the busiest shopping day of the year and paid it's 10,000+ employees to spend time outside instead of slaving away.

When asked why, REI CEO Jerry Stritzke, said “As a co-op, we share a simple belief that time in the outdoors makes us healthier and happier –- as individuals and as a society."  And he is absolutely right, there are tons of reasons why spending time outside is beneficial including: cleaner air, a dose of vitamin D, and exercise for your body and mind.

A lot of the times, especially when I worked a desk job, I struggle with getting outside enough, but I immediately notice the benefits of it when I do!  Here are some tips on how to spend more time outside:

1.  Eat your lunch on the patio or at a nearby park
2. Take your weekend workout to a park, the beach, or the mountains
3. Walk your dog instead of having your spouse or kids do it
4. Walk or bike to work (or part of the way there)
5. Make your next vacation or weekend getaway a camping trip

Have any sneaky ways of your own to get some more outside time into your hectic life?  I would love to hear about it!