Five Awesome Activities for Your Best Spring Yet

Beautiful summer blooms! (D. Beach)

There is a little chill left in the morning air, but we all can agree that spring sneaked up on us once again. After a winter of dreaming about warmer days and great adventures, we've got an opportunity to take advantage of beautiful weather and the impending warmer summer months.  Guest post author Daniel Beach came up with a list of five awesome outdoor activities to help you make this your best spring yet. He believes in making what you have and where you are count.

You don't need to climb to the top of Everest to have a good season or to celebrate the outdoors. Having the best spring yet starts at home, right there where you are. Life is what we make of it, it's the little things in life that add up to make us happy. Let's take a look at five ways you can have your best spring yet by doing these outdoor activities (with the possibility of it turning into an adventure.)

1. Put up a hammock. Hammocks aren't just for movies, cool magazine advertisements and beach-side vacations, they're great for the real world, too. What better to lift your spirits, relieve stress, and connect with the world around you then to view from a hammock swinging in the breeze? Find yourself a good hammock, set it up somewhere in nature, even if it's in your backyard, and give it a try.  A good hammock will ensure you slow down this spring and have time to take it all in, and while you're at it, combine this recommendation with the next... 

2. Read an adventure book. With the pace of life these days, it can be a challenge finding the time to sit down with a good book. But literature can open our minds and inspire us.  It's good for the body, mind, and soul. Reading a good adventure book this spring might even motivate you to take on an adventure yourself.  National Geographic has a list of 100 Extreme Classics, any of which would make a great springtime read. (Editor's Note: If you've ever lived in a National Park or dreamed of doing so, check out Permanent Vacation.) 

3. Get up, get out and get moving! Most of us associate the New Year's Resolution time of year with making promises to get some exercise into our lives. Whether you're training for a marathon or simply trying to find motivation to exercise at all, find a way to work some movement into your schedule at least three times each week. Taking a walk, running, biking, hiking, yard work, any activity that gets you out into the fresh spring air will make a difference in how you feel.

4. Make a camping resolution. Now that you've cleared your mind in your hammock, read an inspiring adventure book and have energy to spare after working more exercise into your schedule, it's time to put it all to good use. Some of the most beautiful seasons can slip by without our even noticing, and the best way to ensure that doesn't happen is to make a promise to get outside when you can. Camping is a great way to make your winter self jealous of your spring self, and give you a chance to leave everything behind for a blissful night's sleep outside.

Nothing says "outdoor fun" like a good campfire.

5. Have a bonfire. A good old fashioned bonfire or campfire is something quintessentially related to warm weather and relaxing fun. What better way to gather friends, family and the like into one place for a great time? Laughter is almost spontaneous, stories flow like water and sparks fly upward like fireflies.  There's something about a fire that seems to draw people together. If you're able to host a fire in your backyard, do so, but pay careful attention to fire warning and regulations in your area. Of course, you can combine the bonfire with your camping resolution at a local park that allows campfires. Don't forget the s'mores supplies!

If these activities don't get you psyched for the warm weather, what are some of your favorite ways to enjoy spring? Leave a comment!


Guest post author Daniel Beach is a born and raised flat-lander with big dreams of escaping the cubicle. He runs Share This Adventure , a website for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. The idea is to get inspired to get off the couch and do something adventurous, then tell everyone else about it!