Stop Scrolling to Try and Recharge- Get in Nature Instead!
Do you ever try to recharge sometimes but actually end up feeling worse? Even though you need rest, lying on the sofa and scrolling Tiktok is never going to rejuvenate you in the way that you need. Sometimes what you need is a change of scenery, to touch grass and get yourself off into nature. You’ll move more without thinking about it or it feeling like a chore, you’ll breathe fresher air, and everyone in the family gets a break from screens and routines. It doesn’t have to be an all inclusive trip to the Maldives to leave you feeling refreshed, a good campsite will do the trick and have you hiking, fishing and swimming having a great time.
Give your health a boost
Being outside hits your body in ways you don’t always notice at home. A bit of sunshine tops up your vitamin D, and walking over uneven ground works muscles you never use in the office. Scrambling over a log, hopping across stones or helping carry firewood gives your muscles a gentle workout without it even feeling like exercise.
Even something as simple as dipping your feet in a stream wakes you up faster than coffee! Fresh air makes breathing easier, and the natural rhythm of daylight and evening helps you sleep better without trying. By the time you get home, you’ll probably feel more awake, a bit stronger, and just generally ready to tackle the week.
Get kids off their screens
Getting kids to switch off screens isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to make their time memorable without spending a fortune. Being outside makes it simpler. Give them small jobs like gathering firewood, spotting wildlife, or collecting interesting rocks. Let them help set up the tent, carry water, or stir the pot on the stove. It keeps them busy, teaches responsibility, and means you’re not constantly nagging them to stay occupied. Outdoors trips are great for learning hands on skills too, especially for kids! There’s map reading, following simple orienteering routes or practicing using a compass.
They can figure out how to cross a stream safely, judge distances on a trail, or set up a tent efficiently all build confidence. These are small but useful abilities that don’t come up much at home, and they’ll feel a real sense of achievement as you put them into practice
Eating well
Cooking outside can be easy and a lot of fun if you plan a little. Bring a small cast-iron skillet or a lightweight grill to cook over the fire. Breakfast can be as simple as scrambled eggs or bacon wrapped in foil with a few herbs, cooked right on the coals. For lunch or dinner, try skewers with chunks of meat and vegetables, or wrap potatoes in foil and tuck them into the embers, they take a while but are worth the wait.
Even snacks are better outdoors: toast marshmallows, make simple s’mores, or heat baked beans in a small pot. Keep a few basic seasonings on hand and a small brush or tongs for turning food safely. The key is to plan meals that don’t need lots of bowls or utensils, so everyone can enjoy cooking without creating a mountain of washing up.