You work 40-60 hours a week, have a family (or a pet… or both), and are sometimes able to sprinkle in a social life here and there. The idea of a weekend trip full of adventure may seem a little unrealistic for most of us.

But what if we told you that avoiding time outside can have serious effects on both your physical and mental health?

Here’s our tips on how to ditch the cubicle cave and spend more time outside this year.

Schedule Time Outside

You’ve already penciled in when to eat, when to workout, delegated who is taking junior to practice and blocked off an hour or two for your favorite prime time TV. Why isn’t it just as important to schedule time spent outside?

As the weather warms up, make it a point to take your lunch break outside or switch up your commute and bike into work. If you’re allowed a flexible schedule, take the early shift and go in an hour earlier than everyone else so you can enjoy some solid daylight hours outdoors.

Map out green space

Central Iowa has over 600 miles in trails. Bike trails are a great way to link up green ways and parks. Fortunately for us, several parks are within a mile or two distance from one another which makes it easy to check out multiple parks in one outing. Which means, you’ll likely be surprised by how many options exist within such a close proximity to one another.

Here is a great map of Central Iowa Trails.

Take a Day Off

You don’t have to pack up the car and take off for the weekend to re-charge. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of spontaneity. Take the day off during the middle of the week. Go fishing, set out on a hike over at Ledges or drive a couple of hours west to spend the day in Loess Hills.

Photo by:Michal Kulesza

Backyard Camping

If you can’t take a day off from work – just step outside your back door. Break out the tent, pull out the sleeping bags, fire up the camp stove/grill/or legal firepit and enjoy a night under the stars in your own backyard. No, it’s not the same as camping in Decorah , but it beats that popcorn ceiling you’ve been staring at for the last 6-7 months.

If you have kids, it makes the experience that much better! Not only does it provide an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids but it also serves as a great trial run for future camping trips.

Explore your City

Remember that your city is an adventure by it’s own accord. With bike trails connecting neighborhood destinations — you can maximize your fresh air and desire for adventure by exploring the city on two wheels or by foot. It’s a great opportunity to round up the family or friends and spend the day outside checking out new scenes and sites within the city limits.

Ian Jamieson - Downtown Des Moines

Photo by: Exploring Iowa