As stated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend roughly 90 percent of their time indoors. This leaves only a small fraction of time spent outdoors. Although it is certainly more comfortable and convenient to do things indoors, there are numerous advantages to spending time outside. The Centers for Disease Control reports that “the outdoors offer numerous opportunities to be physically active.” Moreover, being outdoors increases Vitamin D levels, which is imperative for maintaining a healthy immune system. When outside, people may be at risk of UV exposure, but by using proper sun protection like sunscreen, the risk can be easily reduced. Forbes also notes that being outdoors makes people happier and less stressed.

Since many people have to stay indoors because of school and work, this summer is the perfect opportunity to spend more time outside. There are numerous things you can do to experience the benefits of being outdoors.

One of the most popular activities people do outdoors in the summertime is going to the beach. At the beach, people can participate in a variety of activities, such as swimming, bike riding, and surfing. When summer temperatures rise, going to the beach can be a great way to cool off while spending time outside. Juliana Neemeh (11) recommends that people visit the beach and shares that “going to the beach is one of [her] favorite summertime activities!”

Another thing people can do is go hiking. This activity allows people to benefit from being outside while enjoying a visit to a scenic location. Some popular hiking spots include Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea,  Chiquito Falls Trail in Lake Elsinore, and Red Rock Canyon in Lake Forest.

In addition to visiting the beach and hiking, people can also visit a botanical garden. A trip to a botanical garden lets visitors become fully immersed in nature, as the garden is covered with beautiful flowers, trees, and other plants. As reviewed by the Orchid Republic, five must-see botanical gardens in Orange County include the Sherman Library and Gardens, UC Irvine Arboretum, Fullerton Arboretum, Niguel Botanical Reserve, and Wrigley Botanical Garden.

Going on a picnic is another great way to get outdoors. Picnicking with family and friends can be a way to make fun memories while enjoying delicious snacks. A few places to have a picnic include Yorba Regional Park, Oak Canyon Nature Center, and Chino Hills State Park.

The advantages of being outdoors prove that people should do their bests to spend more of their free time outside rather than inside. Thus, this summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the benefits that the outdoors has to offer!