Weekend Reset: Go Have Fun Outside
Reconnect With Joy
Weekends are not just for rest. True restoration also comes from play, novelty, and time outdoors. Research shows that spending time in natural environments improves mood, reduces stress, and supports overall mental well-being (White et al., 2019; Bratman et al., 2019). Even small doses of nature, such as two hours a week, can provide measurable benefits.
Why Nature Matters
Research shows that spending around two hours per week in natural outdoor settings is linked to improved self-reported health and overall well-being (White et al., 2019).
Being in green spaces rich in biodiversity can boost cognitive functioning, lower stress levels, and strengthen social connections (Bratman et al., 2019).
Simply spending time outdoors helps enhance mood, focus, and resilience while reducing negative emotions such as anxiety and depression (Bratman et al., 2019).
You don’t need to take one long hike to reap benefits. Multiple shorter visits or different types of natural settings—parks, beaches, woodlands—can be just as effective.
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Weekend Fun Ideas
Go for a nature walk or hike. Explore local parks or trails to refresh your mind and body.
Outdoor games with friends or family. Frisbee, Spikeball, or a scavenger hunt can boost mood and social connection.
Mindful observation. Take 10–15 minutes to sit outside, notice sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings.
Combine creativity with nature. Sketch, paint, or photograph the outdoors for a playful yet reflective activity.
Try a new outdoor activity. Paddleboarding, gardening, or birdwatching can increase novelty and engagement.
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Outdoor Reset Essentials (Amazon Picks)
Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These picks are chosen to help you enjoy your weekend reset.
For Mini Adventures
Hydro Flask Water Bottle – Stay hydrated on hikes or long outings.
Compact Picnic Blanket – Easy to pack, great for spontaneous outdoor fun.
For Movement & Play
Spikeball Set – Fast-paced, portable, and addictive outdoor game.
LED Frisbee – Keeps the fun going even at dusk.
For Relaxed Vibes
Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Add music to any outdoor reset.
Cooling Towel Set – Small, practical comfort for sunny days.
References
1. White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, 7730. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3
2. Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., Folke, C., Frumkin, H., Gross, J. J., Hartig, T., Kahn, P. H. Jr., Kuo, M., Lawler, J. J., Levin, P. S., Lindahl, T., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Mitchell, R., Ouyang, Z., Roe, J., Scarlett, L., Smith, J. R., van den Bosch, M., Wheeler, B. W., White, M. P., Zheng, H., Daily, G. C. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances, 5(7), eaax0903. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903