Seriously, get outside!

Am I the only one who feels like this summer has been insanely hot?  I am all about getting outside and enjoying nature.  I’ll admit that there have been days this summer that it has been hard due to the heat.  Now that the weather is more tolerable (and it’s almost my favorite season), let’s all commit to getting outside to go for a hike – with a scavenger hunt!

Benefits of Hiking

Hiking is one of those activities that is just good for the soul.  Here’s why I think this is: hiking with others satisfies 6 of the 8 dimensions of wellness.  These are: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental.  Read on for my logic on how hiking satisfies each one:

1. Physical: You are moving your body!

2. Intellectual: You can use your curiosity to ask questions and learn about plants and animals you see during your hike.

3. Emotional: Hiking can help boost your mood and provide a safe, meditative space for thinking and reflecting!

4. Social: By hiking with others, you are maintaining healthy relationships.

5. Spiritual: You can foster a sense of purpose and meaning knowing you are part of this amazing, diverse world we live in.

6. Environmental: Getting outside in nature connects you to the earth and allows you to be part of the natural environment.  Bonus for picking up litter on your hike!

Let’s do some scavenging

I guess scavenging is a word!  Read on for a list of items you can look for on your hike!

Look for something that:

1. Makes you happy

2. Makes you curious

3. Is/feels familiar

4. Is/feels unfamiliar

5. Reminds you of summer

6. Is an early sign fall

7. You want to talk about with someone

8. Bonus: a piece of garbage that you can pick up and throw away (with a grown-up’s permission).

That’s all!

I hope you enjoyed your hike whether or not you included the scavenger hunt.  Feel free to share your experience in the comments or on social media.  You can write down, draw, or take pictures of the items that you find.

Want more activities to do while you walk?

Check out my rhyming routine for kids